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What did I do wrong with this physics problem?

An object in space is initially stationary relative to the earth. Then, a force begins acting on the object, starting from 0N, and increasing at a uniform rate until the magnitude of the force is 48N after the force has acted for 35s. The body has a mass of 5 kg. What is the speed of the object at 35 s?

This is what I did.

(Average force)(time)=m(change in velocity)

Average force = 48/35

So, (average force)(time)=(48/35)*(35)=45N

48=m(change in velocity)

48=5(Vf-Vo)

9.6=Vf-0

Vf=9.6 m/s

However I know this answer is wrong. It is multiple choice and I cannot figure out where my error was.

Thankyou!

2 Answers

Relevance
  • 7 years ago

    The average force Favg = (F1 + F0)/2 when it increases at a "uniform rate." So Favg = (48 + 0)/2 = 24 N; not what you have. So V = U + Aavg T = 0 + (Favg/M)T = 24*35/5 = 168 mps. ANS.

    You can use impulse, as you tried to, but you must do it correctly. m dV = Favg dT; so that dV = V = Favg dT/m = 24*35/5 = 168 mps. ANS.

  • 7 years ago

    You average force is wrong.

    SInce the force increased uniformly:

    Average force = (initial force + final force)/2

    = (0+48)/2

    = 24N

    Impulse = change of momentum

    F*t = m*v_final - m*v_initial

    24*35 = 5*v_final - m* 0

    v_final = 168m/s

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