- Forums
- Homework Help
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Thread starterWoolyabyss
- Start date
- Tags
- DifferentialDifferential equationSecond order
In summary, the conversation discusses how to show that s = ut + .5at^2 given the starting equations of d^2s/dt^2 = a, ds/dt = u, and s = 0 when t = 0. The solution involves deriving v = u + at from the starting equality and incorporating a constant for initial velocity, resulting in the quadratic equation s = u0t + .5at^2.
- #1
Woolyabyss
- 143
- 1
Homework Statement
If d^2s/dt^2 = a, given that ds/dt = u and s = 0, when t = 0, where a, u are constants
show that s = ut + .5at^2
2. The attempt at a solution
du/dt = a
cross multiplying and then integrating and we get
u = at
ds/dt = at
cross multiply and integrate
s = .5at^2
using limits when t = 0 then s = 0
I can't seem to get out the constant u
Physics news on Phys.org
- #2
Woolyabyss
- 143
- 1
could you maybe use v = u + at ? and say v = u + at but v = ds/dt
so ds/dt = u + at
cross multiplying and integrating and you get
s = ut + .5at^2
- #3
CAF123
Gold Member
- 2,948
- 88
Woolyabyss said:
could you maybe use v = u + at ?
Yes, but first you need to derive this from the starting equality d2s/dt2 = a.
- #4
Woolyabyss
- 143
- 1
CAF123 said:
Yes, but first you need to derive this from the starting equality d2s/dt2 = a.
I'm not sure how though could I say dv/dt = a
and then I'd get v = at but I just can't seem to get the u.
- #5
rcgldr
Homework Helper
- 8,873
- 632
Woolyabyss said:
cross multiplying and then integrating and we get
u = at
After integration there's a constant. Say the initial velocity is u0, then
u = at + u0
The problem statement seems a bit off, if u = ds/dt, then there needs to be a constant for initial velocity in the equation such as u0:
s = u0 t + 1/2 a t^2
- #6
Woolyabyss
- 143
- 1
rcgldr said:
After integration there's a constant. Say the initial velocity is u0, then
u = at + u0
The problem statement seems a bit off, if u = ds/dt, then there needs to be a constant for initial velocity in the equation such as u0:
s = u0 t + 1/2 a t^2
But would using the limits not eliminate the constant of integration?
- #7
rcgldr
Homework Helper
- 8,873
- 632
Woolyabyss said:
But would using the limits not eliminate the constant of integration?
The goal here is to produce a quadratic equation, not an intergral with limits.
- #8
Woolyabyss
- 143
- 1
rcgldr said:
The goal here is to produce a quadratic equation, not an intergral with limits.
I got now thanks.
Related to Second Order Differential Equation to show s = ut +(1/2)at^2
1. What is a second order differential equation?
A second order differential equation is a mathematical equation that involves the second derivative of a function. It is commonly used to describe the relationship between a physical quantity and its rate of change over time.
2. How is a second order differential equation used to show s = ut + (1/2)at^2?
In this equation, s represents displacement, u represents initial velocity, a represents acceleration, and t represents time. The second order differential equation is used to show how displacement changes over time due to the initial velocity and acceleration.
3. What is the significance of the (1/2) factor in the equation?
The (1/2) factor represents the constant acceleration of an object. It is multiplied by the time squared to account for the fact that acceleration is constantly changing over time. Without this factor, the equation would only represent a constant velocity.
4. Can this equation be used in any situation involving displacement, velocity, and acceleration?
Yes, this equation can be applied to any situation where an object is experiencing constant acceleration. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to solve problems involving motion and dynamics.
5. Are there any real-world applications of this equation?
Yes, there are many real-world applications of this equation. It can be used to calculate the trajectory of a projectile, the motion of a pendulum, or the acceleration of a falling object. It is also used in the design and analysis of structures, such as bridges and buildings.
Similar threads
Density of Flow Along a Tube Under the Action of Advancing Piston
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 11
- Views
- 803
Analyzing Motion: Deriving Displacement Graphs from First Principles
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 6
- Views
- 843
Find at what rate the orbit radius will grow
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 30
- Views
- 641
Integrating motion equation to derive displacement
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 16
- Views
- 1K
Problem involving an adiabatic process
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 1
- Views
- 826
Help with question on motion: Avoiding a rear-end collision
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 6
- Views
- 943
Rocket acceleration problem: confused about Newton's 2nd Law
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
- Replies
- 42
- Views
- 3K
Speed of cylinder rolling along a horizontal surface gathering snow (Solved)
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 13
- Views
- 1K
Shortest distance along the shore and into the lake
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 6
- Views
- 236
Velocity equation and distance problems
- Introductory Physics Homework Help
- Replies
- 13
- Views
- 1K
- Forums
- Homework Help
- Introductory Physics Homework Help