free physics video tutorials for all

 

 

MECHANICS

 

Linear Motion

 

Non-uniform Acceleration

 

theory

example#1

example#2

 

 

 

Consider a particle P moving in a straight line from a starting point O.

 

The displacement from O is x at time t .

 

The initial conditions are: t ≥ 0 when x=0.

 

If v is the velocity of P at time t, then :

 

v equals dx by dt

 

The acceleration 'a' of particle P is defined as:

 

definition of acceleration in terms of v and x

 

or alternately,

 

non uniform acceleration differential equations

 

 

Problems on this topic are solved by analysing the information given to form a differential equation. This is then integrated, usually between limits.

 

 

back to top

 

Example #1

 

A particle moves in a straight line such that its acceleration 'a' at time 't' is given by:

 

problem #01a

 

If the initial speed of the particle is 5 ms-1, at what values of 't' is the particle stationary?

 

 

problem #01b

 

 

back to top

 

Example #2

 

A particle moves from a point O in a straight line with initial velocity 4 ms-1.
if v is the velocity at any instant, the acceleration a of the particle is given by:

 

problem 2a

 

The particle passes through a point X with velocity 8 ms-1.

 

(i) how long does the particle take to reach point X?
(ii) what is the distance OX?(1 d.p.)

 

 

(i)

problem #2b

 

 

(ii)

problem 2c

 

 

 

 

back to top

 

 

 

this week's promoted video

 

 from Physics Trek

 

 

creative commons license

All downloads are covered by a Creative Commons License.
These are free to download and to share with others provided credit is shown.
Files cannot be altered in any way.
Under no circumstances is content to be used for commercial gain.

 

 

 

 

©copyright a-levelphysicstutor.com 2016 - All Rights Reserved