Vectors - Displacement to Accelleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the magnitude of acceleration for an object whose position is described by the equations x=5t^2-6t^2 and y=3t^-1+4t^4. The original poster seeks clarification on their calculations and the correctness of the given equations.

Discussion Character

  • Assumption checking, Problem interpretation, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the second derivatives of the position equations to find acceleration components and question the correctness of the original equations provided for x and y. There is an exploration of potential errors in simplification and interpretation of the equations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the equations and addressing discrepancies in the original poster's calculations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the second derivatives, and there is a recognition of potential errors in the interpretation of the equations.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the original equations for x and y, with participants noting inconsistencies and questioning their validity. The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their understanding of the equations.

cryodynamics
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Homework Statement


An object moves with its position obeying x=5t^2-6t^2 and y=3t^-1+4t^4. What is the magnitude of its acceleration at t=1s;
a)57 m/s^2
b)34 m/s^2
c)26 m/s^2
d)44 m/s^2
e)0 m/s^2

Homework Equations


x=5t^3-6t^2
y=3t^-1+4t^4

The Attempt at a Solution


Second derivative of the displacement x is;
ax=30t-12 m/s^2
Second derivative of the displacement y is;
ay=8t m/s^2

t=1 -> ax
ax = 18

t=1 -> ay
ay = 8

Resultant acceleration = sqrt(18^2+8^2) = 19.69

Which is wrong according to the answer I found online which was a) 57 m/s^2. Anyone show me where I've messed up or is the answer I found wrong?
 
Last edited:
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cryodynamics said:

Homework Statement


An object moves with its position obeying x=5t^2-6t^2 and y=3t^-1+4t^4. What is the magnitude of its acceleration at t=1s;
a)57 m/s^2
b)34 m/s^2
c)26 m/s^2
d)44 m/s^2
e)0 m/s^2


Homework Equations


x=5t^2-6t^2
y=3t^-1+4t^4

The Attempt at a Solution


Second derivative of the displacement x is;
ax=30t-12 m/s^2
Second derivative of the displacement y is;
ay=8t m/s^2

t=1 -> ax
ax = 18

t=1 -> ay
ay = 8

Resultant acceleration = sqrt(18^2+8^2) = 19.69

Which is wrong according to the answer I found online which was a) 57 m/s^2. Anyone show me where I've messed up or is the answer I found wrong?

The x expressions don't match up, but I guess you actually meant x=5t^3-6t^2

I can't imagine what you thought the y expression was ??
 
PeterO said:
The x expressions don't match up, but I guess you actually meant x=5t^3-6t^2

I can't imagine what you thought the y expression was ??

Ahh yes sorry about that, I'll fix that up. What do you mean by 'I can't imagine what you thought the y expression was?' That equation for y is the exact one given?
 
Can you check that

x=5t^2-6t^2 and y=3t^-1+4t^4

are correct.
 
x=5t3-6t2
y=3t-1+4t4
Are the the correct equations given in the question.
 
cryodynamics said:
x=5t3-6t2
y=3t-1+4t4
Are the the correct equations given in the question.

OK .. if that is the expression for y, then 8t is not the second derivative.
 
PeterO said:
OK .. if that is the expression for y, then 8t is not the second derivative.

Ahh I got the answer this time, my problem was I thought I could simplify y=3t-1+4t4 to 4t3/3 I now realize what a rookie error that was lol. Thanks for your help everyone.
 

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