Author Archives: Engineering Math

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P18


Figure EX1.18 shows the motion diagram of a drag racer. The camera took one frame every 2 s.

Figure 1.18 Physics for Scientists and Engineers Third Edition by Randall Knight
Figure EX1.18

  1. Measure the x-value of the racer at each dot. List your data in a table similar to Table 1.1, showing each position and the time at which it occurred.
  2. Make a position-versus-time graph for the drag racer. Because you have data only at certain instants, your graph should consist of dots that are not connected together.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P17


A toy car rolls down a ramp, then across a smooth, horizontal floor. Draw a complete motion diagram of the toy car.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P16


Your roommate drops a tennis ball from a third-story balcony. It hits the sidewalk and bounces as high as the second story. Draw a complete motion diagram of the tennis ball from the time it is released until it reaches the maximum height on its bounce. Be sure to determine and show the acceleration at the lowest point.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P15


A roof tile falls straight down from a two-story building. It lands in a swimming pool and settles gently to the bottom. Draw a complete motion diagram of the tile.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P14


You use a long rubber band to launch a paper wad straight up. Draw a complete motion diagram of the paper wad from the moment you release the stretched rubber band until the paper wad reaches its highest point.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P13


A child is sledding on a smooth, level patch of snow. She encounters a rocky patch and slows to a stop. Draw a complete motion diagram of the child and her sled.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P12


A car travels to the left at a steady speed for a few seconds, then brakes for a stop sign. Draw a complete motion diagram of the car.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P11


Figure Ex1.11 shows two dots of a motion diagram and vector \displaystyle \vec{v_2}. Copy this figure and add vector \displaystyle \vec{v_1} and dot 1 if the acceleration vector \displaystyle \vec{a} at dot 2 (a) points to the right and (b) points to the left.

Figure Ex1.11 Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by Randall Knight
Figure Ex1.11

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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P10


Figure Ex1.10 shows two dots of a motion diagram and vector \displaystyle \vec{v_1}. Copy this figure and add vector \displaystyle \vec{v_2} and dot 3 if the acceleration vector \displaystyle \vec{a} at dot 2 (a) points up and (b) points down.

Figure 1.10 Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall Knight
Figure 1.10

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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P9


  1. Figure Ex 1.9 shows the first three points of a motion diagram. Is the object’s average speed between points 1 and 2 greater than, less than, or equal to its average speed between points 0 and 1? Explain how you can tell.
  2. Use Tactics Box 1.3 to find the average acceleration vector at point 1. Draw the completed motion diagram, showing the velocity vectors and acceleration vector.

Figure Ex1.9

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