Math Problem Statement

The position of a particle moving along a straight line at any time t is given by s(t) = t² + 4t + 4. What is the acceleration of the particle when t = 4?

Solution

To solve this question, we need to calculate the acceleration of the particle at t=4t = 4.

The position of the particle is given by s(t)=t2+4t+4s(t) = t^2 + 4t + 4. Acceleration is the second derivative of the position function s(t)s(t) with respect to time tt.

Steps:

  1. Find the velocity function v(t)v(t): The velocity is the first derivative of s(t)s(t): v(t)=ds(t)dt=2t+4v(t) = \frac{ds(t)}{dt} = 2t + 4

  2. Find the acceleration function a(t)a(t): The acceleration is the derivative of v(t)v(t): a(t)=dv(t)dt=2a(t) = \frac{dv(t)}{dt} = 2

  3. Evaluate acceleration at t=4t = 4: Since the acceleration function is constant, a(t)=2a(t) = 2 for all tt.

Final Answer:

The acceleration of the particle at t=4t = 4 is 22 (Option B).


Would you like further details about derivatives or related motion concepts? Here are five related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. What is the significance of acceleration being constant in this problem?
  2. How do position, velocity, and acceleration functions relate in general motion analysis?
  3. What would the velocity be at t=4t = 4 for this problem?
  4. Can a particle's velocity and acceleration have opposite signs? What does it mean physically?
  5. How can we graphically interpret s(t)s(t), v(t)v(t), and a(t)a(t) for better understanding?

Tip:

To verify your derivative, always double-check your steps using the power rule: ddt[tn]=ntn1\frac{d}{dt}[t^n] = n \cdot t^{n-1}.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Derivatives
Kinematics

Formulas

First derivative: v(t) = ds/dt (velocity function)
Second derivative: a(t) = dv/dt (acceleration function)

Theorems

The power rule for derivatives

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12