Why Are Initial Velocity and Position the Constants in Motion Equations?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the reasoning behind initial velocity and initial position being the constants in motion equations derived from integrating Newton's second law. When integrating acceleration, which is the second derivative of position, the first constant corresponds to initial velocity at time t=0, while the second constant represents initial position. This relationship holds true particularly when acceleration is a polynomial function of time. The logic is rooted in evaluating the integrated polynomial at t=0, confirming that the constants reflect the object's state at the start of motion. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurately applying motion equations in physics.
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Homework Statement



So my main issue is with regards to when you integrate Newton's second law twice to get the position of a particle with respect to time. Why does everyone say that the first constant of your integration is initial velocity and second constant is initial position. Is there any logic behind that or is it just arbitary?


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Because the second derivative of position is acceleration.
 
It actually depends on what kind of function the acceleration is. But If the acceleration is a polynomial of time, then the constant of integration does equal the velocity at t=0.

You can realize this logically. If the acceleration is a polynomial, which you then integrate, then what must be the value of the polynomial at t=0?

P.S. welcome to physicsforums :)

Edit: I mean 'what is the value of the integrated polynomial, without the constant of integration, at t=0' Hmm, maybe I asked for too many steps at once. First, start off with a polynomial, then integrate it.
 
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For a constant acceleration the position of the object is

S=S{_0}+U{_0}t-\frac{1}{2}at^2

\frac {ds}{dt}=U{_0}-at

\frac {dv}{dt}=-a
 
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