What is the role of F0 in the force exerted by compressed air on a pellet?

[emily081715]

Homework Statement

A burst of compressed air pushes a pellet out of a blowpipe. The force exerted by the air on the pellet is given by F(t)=F0e(−t/τ), where τ is called a time constant because it has units of time.

What does F0 represent?

Homework Equations

F0 represents the maximum force.
F0 represents the minimum force.
F0 represents the average force.
F0 represents the force at time t = 0.

The Attempt at a Solution

i can check as many that apply, i originally though it was the force at t=0 because that would mean it's the inital values. that wasn't right. can someone help

 

[CWatters]

i originally though it was the force at t=0

It is equal to the force at t=0 but there is a (very slightly) better answer.

What happens to the term e^-t/τ as t increases?

 

[emily081715]

It is equal to the force at t=0 but there is a (very slightly) better answer.

What happens to the term e^-t/τ as t increases?

would the better answer be that it's the minimum value

 

[emily081715]

would the better answer be that it's the minimum value

because that's not the only answer if it's correct. I'm on my last attempt for the question and need to figure this out

 

[CWatters]

It's not the minimum.

 

[CWatters]

As t increases so e-t/τ decreases. So at t=0 the value of F(t) is a maximum.

 

[CWatters]

I just noticed this bit..

i can check as many that apply

Ok so there are two answers that apply.

 

[emily081715]

As t increases so e-t/τ decreases. So at t=0 the value of F(t) is a maximum.

yes i need to check all that apply. so Fo is a maximum value and Fo is t=0 ?

 

[cnh1995]

Fo is a maximum value and Fo is t=0 ?

Yes.

 

[emily081715]

Yes.

Are those the only two?

 

[cnh1995]

Are those the only two?

Yes.

 

[emily081715]

Yes.

Thank you