Velocity v(t) = b(t-T)^2, find position function x(t)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the position function x(t) given the velocity function vx(t) = b(t-T)^2. Participants explore various options for x(t) and consider the need to take the antiderivative of the velocity function to determine the correct position function. After analyzing the options, one participant concludes that option c, x(t) = (1/3)b(t - T)^3, is correct, as its derivative matches the given velocity function. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between position, velocity, and their derivatives in kinematics. Ultimately, option c is identified as the best representation of the position function.
courtney1121
Messages
68
Reaction score
0
If a car's x-position at time t = 0 is x(0) = 0 and it has an x-velocity of
vx(t) = b(t-T)^2, where b and T are constants, which function best describes x(t)?

a. x(t) = 2b(t - T)
b. x(t) = 3b(t - T)3
c. x(t) = (1/3)b(t - T)3
d. x(t) = (1/2)b(t - T)
e. x(t) = (1/3)b[(t - T)3 + T3]
f. None of the above

I was thinking d, but not sure.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
courtney1121 said:
If a car's x-position at time t = 0 is x(0) = 0 and it has an x-velocity of
vx(t) = b(t-T)^2, where b and T are constants, which function best describes x(t)?

a. x(t) = 2b(t - T)
b. x(t) = 3b(t - T)3
c. x(t) = (1/3)b(t - T)3
d. x(t) = (1/2)b(t - T)
e. x(t) = (1/3)b[(t - T)3 + T3]
f. None of the above

I was thinking d, but not sure.

doesn't look like it to me.

v(t) = dx(t)/dt

what is the derivative of option d?
 
ok when I did the derivative of vx(t)=b(t-T)^2, i got "a".

or do they want the antiderivative of that equation?

i'm not sure how to do the derivative of option d though because I'm not sure what to do about those constants. Wouldn't the derivative of b and T be 0 since they are constant?
 
courtney1121 said:
ok when I did the derivative of vx(t)=b(t-T)^2, i got "a".

or do they want the antiderivative of that equation?

i'm not sure how to do the derivative of option d though because I'm not sure what to do about those constants. Wouldn't the derivative of b and T be 0 since they are constant?

the derivative of a constant is zero. what the above equation i posted says is that the velocity (v) is the time derivative of position (x). if you differentiate the initial equation (velocity) you get the acceleration. that's not what you're after.
 
ooo ok ok...I need to get vx(t) in terms of x(t)

so i should take the antiderivative of the equation like use the reverse kinematic chain...so let me see here...

oooo ok ok I think I got this...I'm thinking the answer will be c...because if you take the derivative of c it would be (1/3)3b(t-T)^2...the 3's cancel out and you are left with b(t-T)^2 which is vx(t).

Does this sound right?
 
yes, looks correct to me.
 
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
Back
Top