Finding magnitude and distance of a particles acceleration

In summary, the figure depicts the motion of a particle along an x axis with a constant acceleration, with a vertical scaling of 7.20 m. The magnitude and direction of the particle's acceleration can be found by using the formula Deltax = Vi*T + .5(at^2), where a = 2(xfinal - xinital)/t^2. Through collaboration, it was determined that the particle is moving in the positive x-direction from -1x_S to 0 at time 1, with its speed increasing.
  • #1
Drub
7
0

Homework Statement


The figure depicts the motion of a particle moving along an x axis with a constant acceleration. The figure's vertical scaling is set by xs = 7.20 m. What are the (a) magnitude and (b) direction of the particle's acceleration ( +x or -x )?

upload_2015-8-29_15-16-29.png


Homework Equations


upload_2015-8-29_15-16-55.png


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm going to be honest, first week into class and I'm struggling pretty hard. I'm not really sure where to begin with this equation to be honest.
 
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  • #2
Hello Drub, welcome to PF :smile: !

All beginnings are difficult (old duch saying). But perhaps PF can help you to get going !

If we start with the end of your post, as well as with the (b) part of the exercise: what do you think: is the particle being accelerated in the +x or in the -x direction ?
 
  • #3
Thank you for your response :)! I believe it starts accelerating negatively, but then when it crosses the x-axis it starts accelerating positively. am I on the right track here?
 
  • #4
Actually, we might go one step back. Is it moving in the positive x-direction when it's moving from ##-1x_S## to ##0## from time 1 to 1 sec ?
 
  • #5
I believe it is moving in the positive direction in that scenario :O?
 
  • #6
Yes. And is its speed increasing or decreasing ?
 
  • #7
Increasing :eek:?

EDIT: i worked with a friend on it and found out that I had to use the formula Deltax = Vi*T + .5(at^2) to solve for a. after i found that a= 2(xfinal - xinital)/t^2. I then plugged in values for 1-2, and got 4.8 m/2^2.

I didn't plug in 0 seeing as 0 would have just gotten me an acceleration of 0 since the particle was not moving.

Thanks for the reply, I'll be sure to be posting on here again as this is quite the challenge so far! :)
 
Last edited:
  • #8
Increasing is good.
And working together is a good way to learn for both ! Good luck !
 

Related to Finding magnitude and distance of a particles acceleration

1.

What is the formula for finding the magnitude of a particle's acceleration?

The formula for finding the magnitude of a particle's acceleration is a = √(ax^2 + ay^2 + az^2), where ax, ay, and az are the components of acceleration in the x, y, and z directions respectively.

2.

How do you find the distance traveled by a particle given its acceleration?

To find the distance traveled by a particle given its acceleration, you can use the formula d = ½at^2, where a is the acceleration and t is the time elapsed.

3.

What units are used to measure acceleration?

Acceleration is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2), however it can also be measured in other units such as feet per second squared (ft/s^2) or kilometers per hour squared (km/h^2).

4.

Can the magnitude of a particle's acceleration be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of a particle's acceleration can be negative. This indicates that the particle is accelerating in the opposite direction of its initial velocity.

5.

How does the distance of a particle's acceleration affect its velocity?

The distance of a particle's acceleration does not directly affect its velocity. However, the time over which the acceleration occurs can impact the particle's velocity, as a longer duration of acceleration will result in a greater change in velocity.

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