What is the Speed of a Particle After Acceleration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed and direction of a particle after undergoing acceleration of 2.7 m/s² horizontally and 4.3 m/s² vertically over a duration of 6.8 seconds. The final speed can be determined using the Pythagorean Theorem to combine the horizontal and vertical components of velocity. The direction can be calculated using trigonometric functions to find the angle with respect to the horizontal. The key equations involve kinematic principles and vector addition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations for motion.
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean Theorem.
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, specifically sine and cosine functions.
  • Ability to perform vector addition for calculating resultant velocity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to apply kinematic equations to find final velocity given acceleration and time.
  • Study the Pythagorean Theorem in the context of vector components.
  • Explore trigonometric functions to calculate angles from vector components.
  • Practice problems involving two-dimensional motion and vector addition.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and motion analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of vector calculations in acceleration scenarios.

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Homework Statement


A particle at rest undergoes an acceleration of 2.7 m/s2 to the right and 4.3 m/s2 up.
-What is its speed after 6.8 s?
-What is its direction with respect to the horizontal at this time?
-Answer between −180◦ and +180◦ .
-Answer in units of ◦ .

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't even know where to start
 
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You could start with what you do know, and find out things you don't.

Do you think "2.7 m/s2 to the right and 4.3 m/s2 up" means the particle is zig-zagging ?
Are you familiar with the Pythaogrean Theorem ?
Do know how to calculate speed, given an acceleration ?
Do you know the simple trigonometry definitions
 
Last edited:
See if there is a kinematic equation to calculate velocity after time given acceleration
If you have both the horizontal and vertical vector components of velocity then see if you can solve for total magnitude of velocity
It might help to think of the two vector components as sides of a right triangle
 

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