Uniform Acceleration problem dealing with time and x variables?

In summary, the object's acceleration can be calculated using the formula 2(x-vt)/t^2, where x is the change in x coordinate, v is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval. In this problem, the acceleration was incorrectly calculated due to a mistake in substituting the values for v and t. The correct answer is -0.367 cm/s^2.
  • #1
OUmecheng
18
0

Homework Statement


An object moving with uniform acceleration has a velocity of 14.0 cm/s in the positive x direction when its x coordinate is 3.00 cm. If its x coordinate 2.00 s later is -5.00 cm, what is its acceleration?

Homework Equations


deltaX=V naught t + (1/2)at^2)

The Attempt at a Solution


2(X-Vt)/t^2 = a

I rewrote the equation and plugged in the variables... Didn't seem to get the right answer. I'm all out of ideas... I really don't know where to go from there... I've spent 30mins on this problem so far.
 
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  • #2
Your formula is correct. What answer did you get? If you show the details of the substitution it should be easy to pinpoint the error (if there is one).
 
  • #3
= 2((-5.00 cm-3.00 cm) - (14.0 cm/s)(2.00 s)) / (14.0 cm/s)^2

= 2(-8 cm - 28 cm) / 196 cm^2/s^2

= -0.367 cm/s^2NOT the correct answer.
 
  • #4
= 2((-5.00 cm-3.00 cm) - (14.0 cm/s)(2.00 s)) / (14.0 cm/s)^2
In place of your 14.0, I had 2. The time is 2, not 14.
 
  • #5
Delphi51 said:
In place of your 14.0, I had 2. The time is 2, not 14.

ahhhhhh thank you!

I am brilliant haha.
 
  • #6
Everyone has made their share of little mistakes!
 

1. What is the formula for calculating time in a uniform acceleration problem?

In a uniform acceleration problem, the formula for calculating time is t = (vf - vi) / a, where t is the time, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and a is the acceleration.

2. How do I find the final position (x) in a uniform acceleration problem?

The final position (x) in a uniform acceleration problem can be calculated using the formula x = xi + vit + 1/2at^2, where xi is the initial position, vi is the initial velocity, t is the time, and a is the acceleration.

3. What is the difference between uniform acceleration and non-uniform acceleration?

Uniform acceleration refers to a constant rate of change in velocity, while non-uniform acceleration refers to a changing rate of acceleration. In other words, in a uniform acceleration problem, the acceleration remains the same throughout the motion, but in a non-uniform acceleration problem, the acceleration changes over time.

4. Can the time variable be negative in a uniform acceleration problem?

No, time cannot be negative in a uniform acceleration problem. Time is always a positive quantity, as it measures the duration of an event or motion.

5. How can I determine the acceleration in a uniform acceleration problem?

The acceleration in a uniform acceleration problem can be determined by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The formula for acceleration is a = (vf - vi) / t, where a is the acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time.

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