Vector notation and force and force Help- test this morning

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a time-dependent force acting on a 4.00 kg object, with the force defined as F(t) = 20t N/s along the positive y-axis. The object starts at the origin with an initial velocity given in vector notation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to derive acceleration from the given force and mass, questioning the integration process needed to find velocity and position as functions of time. There is confusion regarding the vector notation and its implications for the problem.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the integration of acceleration to find velocity and position. There is acknowledgment of the complexity of the problem, and multiple interpretations of the vector notation are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the notation and the implications of the initial velocity being in vector form. There is a sense of urgency due to an impending test, which may influence the depth of exploration in the discussion.

~christina~
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[SOLVED] vector notation and force and force Help- test this morning..

Homework Statement


A time dependent force F(t)= 20t N/s acts along the possitive y-axis on a 4.00kg object. The object starts at the origin with the initial velocity

[tex]\vec{}v(0)= (1.00m/s)) \hat{}i-(1.00m/s) \hat{}j[/tex].

a) find the velocity of the object as a function of time.
b) find the position of the object as a function of time
c) what is the speed of the object at time t?

Homework Equations


?? the ones given?



The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea where to start..it seems simple enough..


can someone please please please help me out?
by this morning to be exact..(I have a test)
 
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You have the force and the mass, thus you can figure out the acceleration. Given the acceleration as a function of time, how would you find the velocity as a function of time? And then the position? (Hint: Only one component is accelerated. Hint2: A bit of calculus is required.)
 
Hm..
so ..acceleration...

F(t)= 20 t N/s
a= ?
m= 4.0kg

F= ma (not sure how t would get into that unless I plug in 20 t N/s... (I think the

notation is confusing me)

(20t N/s)/ 4.0kg= a

a= 5 t m/s ?? (not sure about the notation once again...)

I guess if this is correct that I would just do integration to find the v and then the x

however why was the initial velocity given in the form of vector notation ?

I was thinking of using that...

thanks
 
~christina~ said:
Hm..
so ..acceleration...

F(t)= 20 t N/s
a= ?
m= 4.0kg

F= ma (not sure how t would get into that unless I plug in 20 t N/s... (I think the

notation is confusing me)

(20t N/s)/ 4.0kg= a

a= 5 t m/s ?? (not sure about the notation once again...)
The acceleration is 5t m/s^2. But in what direction? They tell you: "acts along the positive y axis". That means the acceleration should be written as [itex]5 t \hat{j}[/itex] m/s^2.

I guess if this is correct that I would just do integration to find the v and then the x
Yes.

however why was the initial velocity given in the form of vector notation ?
Because direction matters!
 
Because direction matters!

so I don't actually use that equation?

anyways...

a(t)= 5tj m/s^2

v(t)= 2.5tj^2 + t

x(t)= .83 tj^3 + 1/2 t^2 + t

Is this how it's supposed to look?

(Once again the units are getting to me...couldn't figure out the units for the v but technically it should be m/s and x should be in m)

Am I supposed to have anymore j's in the equations??
 
Seems like the j notation is messing you up a bit.
~christina~ said:
a(t)= 5tj m/s^2
a(t)y = 5t (direction: +y axis (a.k.a j); units: m/s^2)
v(t)= 2.5tj^2 + t
Integrate a(t) once to get v(t):
v(t)y = 2.5t^2 + C (y-component of velocity)

Use the given initial velocity to find the integration constant C:
v(t)y = 2.5t^2 - 1 (y-component only)

The complete v(t) is:
v(t) = (1) i + (2.5t^2 -1) j


x(t)= .83 tj^3 + 1/2 t^2 + t
Integrate v(t) to get the y-component of position:
y(t) = (2.5/3)t^3 -t + C

Use the given info to find the integration constant:
y(t) = (2.5/3)t^3 -t

The x-axis motion is just constant speed:
x(t) = (1)t = t

In vector notation, the position as a function of time would be:
(t) i + ((2.5/3)t^3 -t) j
 
good grief...I wasn't even close... it was more complicated than I thought it would be

for part c where I have to find the speed of the object at time t

wouldn't I take the

v(t) = (1) i + (2.5t^2 -1) j

and then find the V from the x and y component's i and j ?

rad ( 1^2 + (2.5t^2 -1)^2) = ...

technically that's what I would think but that looks well...complicated...

Is that correct?

Thanks a lot
 
Yes, that's correct.
 
Thank you Doc Al
 

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