Variable acceleration, time, distance

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a physics problem involving a particle's motion with variable acceleration defined as k(t+2). The initial conditions are set with an initial velocity of 0 m/s and a position of 5 m. The participant successfully derived the position function as x=(kt^3)/6 + kt^2 + 5 and calculated the time to reach a velocity of 16 m/s, resulting in the equation t=-2 + 4√(1 + (64/k)^2). The calculations were confirmed as correct, albeit complex, indicating that the participant's approach was valid despite concerns about the simplicity of the answer.

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  • Knowledge of variable acceleration concepts
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in solving problems related to motion under variable acceleration, particularly those using calculus in their analyses.

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Homework Statement



A particle moves along a straight line. At t=0 the acceleration is k(t+2), initial velocity = 0 and x=5m.
a) Write down the position of the particle as a function of time.
b) At what point in time does the particle reach the velocity 16m/s, and where is the particle at this time?

Homework Equations



[tex]a=k(t+2)=kt+2k[/tex]
[tex]v=\int a\textit{dt}=(kt^2)/2+2kt+C_1[/tex]
[tex]x=\int v\textit{dt}=(kt^3)/6+kt^2+C_2[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution



I think I got part a) With the above equations that I calculated and with the initial values inserted I get: [tex]x=(kt^3)/6+kt^2+5[/tex]

for part b I'm more unsure that I'm correct. Entering the velocity as 16m/s I get the equation: [tex]16=(kt^2)/2+2kt[/tex] which when calculated gets the time. [tex]t=-2+4\sqrt{1+{64/k}^2}[/tex] and then this time is inserted into [tex]x=(kt^3)/6+kt^2+5[/tex] to calculate the distance. This gives me [tex]1/6\,k \left( -2+4<br /> \,\sqrt {1+64\,{k}^{-2}} \right) ^{3}+k \left( -2+4\,\sqrt {1+64\,{k}^{-2}} \right) ^{2}+5[/tex] Seems a bit to complicated to be right? Or is it right and I'm just confused :confused:

Thanks for the help!
 
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Note that
[tex]x=\int v\textit{dt}=(kt^3)/6+kt^2+C_1 t + C_2,[/tex]
you forgot to integrate the C1 term.

Finally, you can probably simplify your answer a bit but your way of calculating it looks correct. I am afraid that you are just confused and it is just an ugly answer :smile:
 

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