What are the relevant equations for two dimensional motion in physics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of two-dimensional motion in physics, specifically focusing on the relevant equations and concepts related to velocity as a function of time. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the interpretation of the problem, particularly whether to consider the magnitude or vector form of velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the separation of x and y components in motion equations and the role of time as a common variable. There is also exploration of integration techniques to derive velocity from acceleration, with questions about whether to integrate the vector equation or each dimension separately.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on integration and the formulation of velocity and position equations. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions regarding initial conditions and the interpretation of results, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the context of the problem, including the initial conditions and the nature of the motion being analyzed. There is mention of significant figures in the context of results, indicating a focus on precision in calculations.

madah12
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I have a question in first year college physics about two dimensional motion.
It isn't that I don't know the answer it's just that I am not sure that I started correctly and want to make sure I have the right idea so I understand the questions of this nature
so I didn't understand exactly what they meant by equation for the velocity as a function of time do they want equation for the magnitude or the vector

Homework Statement


http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3289/rocketa.png


Homework Equations


I am not sure what they are asking for in part a so I don't know the relevant equations


The Attempt at a Solution


V = Vx (i^) + Vy (j^)
Vx= v(x0) +a(x)t =1+ 2.5t^3
Vy= V(y0) + a(y)t = 7 + 9t-1.4t^2
so V =(1+ 2.5t^3)*(i^) + (7 + 9t-1.4t^2) *(j^)?
or I should make one for the magnitude of velocity
since I am not sure I didn't do the one for the position until I know what the question meant
I only want to solve part a and b.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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At first glance, it seems correct.

In this type of question, you have to deal with the x and the y component separately. The common variable that joins both of them is the time.

Cheers
 
hi madah12! :smile:

(try using the X2 and X2 icons just above the Reply box :wink:)
madah12 said:
Vx= v(x0) +a(x)t =1+ 2.5t^3
Vy= V(y0) + a(y)t = 7 + 9t-1.4t^2

no, V(t) = V(0) + at only works if a is constant

you need to use V(t) = ∫a(t) dt (and V(0) will come in as a constant of integration) :wink:
 
( I tried working with it a lot the integral sign won't show up right...)
so integral a x dt = integral (2.5 t^2)dt = 5/6 t^3+ vx0 = 5/6t^3 + 1

and for the y ay = 9-1.4t so integral (ay)dt = 9t -.7t^2 +vy0 = 9t -.7t^2 +7?
and then I do the same thing with the i and j?
 
yup! :biggrin:

(and have an integral: ∫ :wink:)
 
so Vr = vxi + vyj
= (5/6t^3 + 1)i + (9t -.7t^2 +7?) *(j^)?
I am pretty noob at integration to get the position should I integrate the vector equation or integral each dimension separately and since it start from the origin x0 and y0 = 0 right?
 
Last edited:
madah12 said:
so Vr = vxi + vyj
= (5/6t^3 + 1)i + (7 + 9t-1.4t^2) *(j^)?
I am pretty noob at integration to get the position should I integrate the vector equation or integral each dimension separately

it makes no difference (if you integrate the vector equation, you get a vector constant (x0,y0) instead of two equations with one constant each) :wink:
and since it start from the origin x0 and y0 = 0 right?

right! :smile:
 
r(t)=(5/24t^4 + t)i + (7t+9/2 t^2 -7/30 t^3)j
y(t)=7t+9/2 t^2 -7/30 t^3
vy(t)=9t -.7t^2 +7
I solved it by the quadratic formula and got t aprox=13.6
y(t)=340.6
I ignored the negative time because the rocket wasn't lunched so the equation it was always with y=0 before
EDIT
is it 340.6 or 341 I think its 341 but I am not good with significant figures
 
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I can sketch the path by using the critical points like graphing any function right? look for concavity and all that? I mean does sketching the graph for y vs t and x vs t satisfy sketching the path because I don't know how to sketch y vs x graph
 
  • #10
madah12 said:
is it 340.6 or 341 I think its 341 but I am not good with significant figures

the given values are 2.50 9.00 1.40 1.00 and 7.00, so I agree with 341 rather than 340.6 :wink:
 
  • #11
madah12 said:
I can sketch the path by using the critical points like graphing any function right? look for concavity and all that? I mean does sketching the graph for y vs t and x vs t satisfy sketching the path because I don't know how to sketch y vs x graph

why bother, when you know the formulas for vx and vy anyway? :wink:

for example, y is a minimum or maximum when vy = 0 :smile:
 

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