Final velocity after distance given acceleration with respect to time

In summary, the conversation discusses how to find the final velocity of an object after it has travelled a certain distance, given the equation for its acceleration with respect to time. The equation for finding the final velocity is provided, but the challenge lies in determining the time at which the object reaches the specified distance. The conversation also touches on the concept of integration and how it can be used to find the total change in position or velocity. A potential misunderstanding about applying initial conditions is also addressed.
  • #1
Integrated
4
0

Homework Statement


I am given an equation for the acceleration of an object with respect to time a(t). I know that it will be accelerating over a certain distance d, after starting at rest. How do I find the final velocity that this object has reached after traveling the distance d?


Homework Equations


The given equation for a(t) is:
a(t) = A(eBt-eCt)2
Where A, B, and C are known constants, and t is time.


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that to find this final velocity I would use this equation:
vf = ∫a(t)dt from 0 to te, the time at which the object reaches the distance d. I am stuck trying to find te, or at least some conversion to acceleration with respect to position a(x), so that I could integrate from 0 to d.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I haven't learned much calculus, but I am curious, why can't you solve for [itex]t_e[/itex] like this?

[itex]∫∫a(t_e)=d[/itex]

(I don't know if that's the correct way to write the second integral)

Thank you if someone replies, and sorry if this wasn't helpful.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
  • #3
Integrated, you're not quite right on that function. It works in this case, but only because it starts from rest.

In general:

##\vec{v} = \frac{d\vec{x}}{dt}##
##\vec{a} = \frac{d\vec{v}}{dt} = \frac{d^2\vec{x}}{dt^2}##

And backwards it's

##\vec{\Delta v} = \int_{a}^b \vec{a}(t)dt##
##\vec{\Delta x} = \int_{a}^b \vec{v}(t)dt##

Notice that when you do it backwards like so, you get the total change in velocity or position. This is because when you integrate, you're summing up infinitesimal changes.

If you want the position/velocity function, you have to apply initial conditions, meaning you have to add that +C at the end of your integral and actually solve for it (generally based on some function value at t =0)

Basically, I think you and Nathanael have it right, I just wanted to clarify something I saw as a conceptual misunderstanding.
 

FAQ: Final velocity after distance given acceleration with respect to time

What is the equation for final velocity after distance given acceleration with respect to time?

The equation for final velocity after distance given acceleration with respect to time is: v = u + at, where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and t is the time.

How is final velocity calculated when only distance and acceleration are given?

To calculate the final velocity when only distance and acceleration are given, use the equation: v = √(u2 + 2as), where v is the final velocity, u is the initial velocity, a is the acceleration, and s is the distance.

Can you determine the final velocity if the time is not given?

No, the final velocity cannot be determined if the time is not given. Time is a crucial component in the equation for final velocity, and without it, the calculation cannot be completed.

How does increasing the acceleration affect the final velocity?

Increasing the acceleration will result in a larger final velocity. This is because acceleration is directly proportional to final velocity. The higher the acceleration, the greater the change in velocity over time.

Is the final velocity affected by the initial velocity?

Yes, the final velocity is affected by the initial velocity. The final velocity will be larger if the initial velocity is in the same direction as the acceleration, and smaller if the initial velocity is in the opposite direction of the acceleration.

Back
Top