What is Chelsea's kinetic energy at t=2.50s?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the kinetic energy of a cat, Chelsea, based on her position function over time. The subject area includes kinematics and energy concepts in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to differentiate the position function to find velocity and subsequently kinetic energy. There is uncertainty about whether to use the first or second derivative and the correct application of differentiation rules, particularly the quotient rule.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the differentiation process and the formulation of the position function. Some have offered guidance on the relationship between position, velocity, and kinetic energy, while others seek clarification on the correct approach to differentiation.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the position function and the application of differentiation rules. The original poster's calculations appear to be based on an incorrect setup, leading to questions about the assumptions made in the problem.

positive infinity
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Hello again and here is another problem I can't seem to figure out.

Chelsea, a calico cat, runs in a straight line chasing a car down the street. Chelsea weighs 36.5 N. and her position along the road is given by
x(t)=(3.50m/s)t+(0.425m/s^2)t^2+1.00ms/(t+1.00s)
Calculate Chelsea's kinitec energy at t=2.50s

The answe is 57.1 joules

Okay not I am not to sure if I'm supposed to find the first or the second derivative. well I compiled it like so
x(t)=at+bt^2+c/(t+d)
x'(t)=a+2bt+(t+d)*F((x)c)-c*F((x)t+d)/(t+d)^2 which comes out to
x'(t)=3.50m/s+2(0.425m/s^2)(2.50s)+(2.5m/s^2)/(2.5m/s+1.00s)^2 = 5.83m
(m*N)=Joules, 5.83m*36.5 N = 212.8 J <--way off so i tried for a second deriv.
x''(t)=2(0.425m/s^2+6.25m/s^2/(2.5s*1.00s)^3= 0.996m 0.996m*36.5N=36.3 J <-- still wrong , Where am I messing up can anyone please help me??!
 
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What is the formula for kinetic energy in terms of mass and velocity ?

Is velocity the first differential or second differential of the position wrt time ?

The differentiation is wrong. What is [tex]\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{1}{x + c})[/tex] ?
 
well I used the quotient rule, at the end because it seemed most logical. all we have to do is calculate the amount of joules whic m*N= J and we find the deriv. of the position time function given But, I'm not so sure.
 
positive infinity said:
well I used the quotient rule, at the end because it seemed most logical. all we have to do is calculate the amount of joules whic m*N= J and we find the deriv. of the position time function given But, I'm not so sure.

From the way you wrote the expression out, isn't it of the form :

[tex]3.5t + 0.425t^2 + \frac{1}{t + 1}[/tex]

rather than

[tex]\frac{3.5t + 0.425t^2 +1}{t + 1}[/tex] ?

The former expression does not need quotient rule to differentiate it. Well you can, but there's a much easier way to do it. But first clarify the question. Besides where do all the F(x) etc come from ?
 
Curious3141 said:
The former expression does not need quotient rule to differentiate it. Well you can, but there's a much easier way to do it. But first clarify the question. Besides where do all the F(x) etc come from ?

[tex]3.5t + 0.425t^2 + \frac{1}{t + 1}[/tex] That is the correct equation.

Im in the same class, by the F(x)'s that's the position time function we are givin. Now I am confused on how to find Kinetic energy. Do I just determine the first derivative? Will that give me K.E(t)?

Thanks,
Andy
 
tanky322 said:
[tex]3.5t + 0.425t^2 + \frac{1}{t + 1}[/tex] That is the correct equation.

Im in the same class, by the F(x)'s that's the position time function we are givin. Now I am confused on how to find Kinetic energy. Do I just determine the first derivative? Will that give me K.E(t)?

Thanks,
Andy

The first derivative of the displacement will give the velocity.

The kinetic energy is given by 0.5*mass*(velocity)^2

The mass can be found from the weight of the cat (given).

Can you differentiate [tex]\frac{1}{t + 1}[/tex] wrt t

by chain rule ? Or you can use quotient rule, but chain rule is easier here.
 

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