Question

A block of ice with mass 5.50 kg is initially at rest on a frictionless, horizontal surface. A worker then applies a horizontal force F⃗ to it. As a result, the block moves along the x-axis such that its position as a function of time is given by x(t)=αt2+βt3, where α = 0.210 m/s2 and β = 2.04×10−2 m/s3 .

A. Calculate the velocity of the object at time t = 4.50 s .
B. Calculate the magnitude of F⃗ at time t = 4.50 s .
Express your answer to three significant figures.
C. Calculate the work done by the force F⃗ during the first time interval of 4.50 s of the motion.
Express your answer to three significant figures.

Answer 1

A) 3.13 m/s

B) 5.34 N

C) W = 26.9 J

Step-by-step explanation:

We are told that the position as a function of time is given by;

x(t) = αt² + βt³

Where;

α = 0.210 m/s² and β = 2.04×10^(−2) m/s³ = 0.0204 m/s³

Thus;

x(t) = 0.21t² + 0.0204t³

A) Velocity is gotten from the derivative of the displacement.

Thus;

v(t) = x'(t) = 2(0.21t) + 3(0.0204t²)

v(t) = 0.42t + 0.0612t²

v(4.5) = 0.42(4.5) + 0.0612(4.5)²

v(4.5) = 3.1293 m/s ≈ 3.13 m/s

B) acceleration is gotten from the derivative of the velocity

a(t) = v'(t) = 0.42 + 2(0.0612t)

a(4.5) = 0.42 + 2(0.0612 × 4.5)

a(4.5) = 0.9708 m/s²

Force = ma = 5.5 × 0.9708

F = 5.3394 N ≈ 5.34 N

C) Since no friction, work done is kinetic energy.

Thus;

W = ½mv²

W = ½ × 5.5 × 3.1293²

W = 26.9 J