Acceleration as a function of displacement

In summary, acceleration as a function of displacement is a mathematical relationship that describes the change in acceleration of an object as it moves a certain distance. It is represented by the equation a = f(x), where a is acceleration and x is displacement. The formula for calculating acceleration as a function of displacement is a = Δv/Δx, where Δv represents the change in velocity and Δx represents the change in displacement. Acceleration is directly related to displacement, meaning that the acceleration as a function of displacement will change as an object moves a greater distance. This relationship is important in understanding an object's motion and has many real-world applications. The main difference between acceleration as a function of displacement and acceleration as a function of time is the
  • #1
Woolyabyss
143
1
In one my classes my lecturer showed us the following derivation of acceleration as a function of displacement

dv/dt = v(dv/dx) = d(.5v^2)/dx

I understand how to get from the first to the second part. But I'm not sure how he got from the second part to the third. Its almost like he integrated v dv on the right hand side?

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
[itex]\frac{dv}{dt}=v\frac{dv}{dx}=\frac{1}{2}2v\frac{dv}{dx}=\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{1}{2} v^2)[/itex]
 
  • #3
Oh so you're really just reversing the chain rule
 

FAQ: Acceleration as a function of displacement

What is acceleration as a function of displacement?

Acceleration as a function of displacement is a mathematical relationship that describes the change in acceleration of an object as it moves a certain distance. It is commonly represented by the equation a = f(x), where a is acceleration and x is displacement.

What is the formula for calculating acceleration as a function of displacement?

The formula for calculating acceleration as a function of displacement is a = Δv/Δx, where Δv represents the change in velocity and Δx represents the change in displacement.

How is acceleration related to displacement?

Acceleration is directly related to displacement. As an object moves a greater distance, its acceleration will change. This means that the acceleration as a function of displacement will also change.

Why is acceleration as a function of displacement important?

Acceleration as a function of displacement is important because it allows us to understand the relationship between an object's motion and its acceleration. It helps us to predict how an object will move given a certain displacement, and it is also essential in many real-world applications, such as designing vehicles and analyzing the motion of objects in space.

What is the difference between acceleration as a function of displacement and acceleration as a function of time?

The main difference between acceleration as a function of displacement and acceleration as a function of time is the independent variable. In acceleration as a function of time, time is the independent variable and the acceleration is dependent on it. In acceleration as a function of displacement, displacement is the independent variable and the acceleration is dependent on it. Additionally, acceleration as a function of displacement takes into account changes in velocity over a certain distance, while acceleration as a function of time only considers changes in velocity over a certain time period.

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