Two objects accelerate from rest with the acceleration of Object A twi

AI Thread Summary
Two objects accelerate from rest, with Object A's acceleration being twice that of Object B. The discussion centers on determining the distance traveled by each object after a given time. It is clarified that acceleration is not directly proportional to distance, but rather affects velocity over time. The correct approach involves using the equations of motion to calculate the distance traveled by each object and then comparing the results. Ultimately, the key takeaway is to apply the appropriate kinematic equations to find the ratio of distances traveled.
needingtoknow
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Homework Statement



Two objects accelerate from rest with the acceleration of Object A twice that of Object B. After accelerating for a given time, Object A will have traveled how many times the distance of Object B?

The Attempt at a Solution



How can I find out mathematically? I know that acceleration is directly proportional to velocity so I was wondering if Object A's acceleration is twice that of Object B then shouldn't the displacement also be twice as much?
 
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Acceleration is not proportional to velocity. You should review the definitions.
 
But isn't a = v/t?
 
Why wouldn't you just have a look at the definition of acceleration?
 
Well the definition is the rate of change of velocity. How fast velocity changes.
 
needingtoknow said:
But isn't a = v/t?

Yes, but that only says it will be traveling twice as fast after time t. What equation do you have relating distance, acceleration, time, and initial velocity (that's valid for constant acceleration)?
 
needingtoknow said:
Well the definition is the rate of change of velocity. How fast velocity changes.

Do you know how that (rate of change of something) is expressed mathematically?
 
velocity

see you first try to calculate the distance traveled by them.Then simply take the ratio of the distance traveled to get how much times one has traveled than the other.
 
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