Calculating velocity with force

In summary, the net horizontal force acting on a 2kg object is given by F=A+Bt^3, where A=5N and B=2N/s^3. After 4 seconds, the object's horizontal velocity is found to be 74m/s using the correct method of integrating the acceleration equation, while using the formula V=Vi+at with a=66.5m/s^2 leads to a significantly higher velocity of 266m/s due to the assumption of constant acceleration. Therefore, the first method is the correct way of solving the problem.
  • #1
mia_material_x1
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Homework Statement


A net horizontal force F=A+Bt^3 acts on a 2kg object, where A=5N and B =2N/s^3. What is the horizontal velocity of this object 4 seconds after it starts from rest?

Homework Equations


F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


F=ma=5N+(2N/s^3)t^3
(2kg)a=5N+(2N/s^3)(4s)^3 ==> a= 2.5N + t^3 = 66.5m/s^2

a=dv/dt ==> v=(2.5 N)t + (1/4 N)t^4
when t= 4s
V= (2.5)(4) +(1/4)(4)^4 = 74m/s

I used V=Vi+at when Vi=0m/s, t=4s, a=66.5m/s^2, and I got V=266m/s

Which one is correct way of solving it, and why? Please let me know. Thanks
 
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  • #2
It seems like the first method is right.
V = Vi + at only applies when acceleration is constant .
 
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  • #3
I mean, ## v(t) = v(0) + \int_0^t a(\tau) d\tau ##, which as you correctly pointed out is
## v(t) =0+ \int_0^t \frac{ F(\tau)}{m} d\tau \\
\quad = \int_0^t 2.5 + \tau^3 d\tau \\
\quad = \left. (2.5\tau + \frac14 \tau^4) \right|_0^t \\
\quad =2.5t + \frac{t^4} {4} ##

Since acceleration is increasing (quickly) with time, it should be pretty clear why if you use a(4) as your constant acceleration in the equation:
v(t)=v_i+at,
the result would be so much larger than you found with the correct method.
 
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  • #4
Yeah you are right. I just assumed the acceleration was constant that's why the result was incorrect. Thanks guys!
 

Related to Calculating velocity with force

1. How is velocity calculated using force?

The formula for calculating velocity using force is v = F/m, where v represents velocity, F represents force, and m represents mass.

2. What is the relationship between force and velocity?

The relationship between force and velocity is that force is a vector quantity that can change the velocity of an object. The greater the force applied, the greater the change in velocity.

3. What are the units for measuring velocity and force?

Velocity is typically measured in meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/hr), while force is measured in Newtons (N).

4. How does mass affect the velocity calculation?

Mass is a factor in the velocity calculation because it represents the amount of matter in an object. The greater the mass, the more force is needed to change its velocity.

5. Can velocity be calculated without knowing the force?

No, velocity cannot be calculated without knowing the force. Force is a crucial component in the velocity calculation and without it, the velocity cannot be accurately determined.

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