Author Archives: Engineering Math

Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P8


  1. Figure Ex1.8 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 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 Ex1.8 for Physics for Scientists and Engineers by Randall Knight
Figure Ex1.8

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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3E by R. Knight, C1E&P7


A softball player slides into second base. Use the particle model to draw a motion diagram showing her position and her average velocity vectors from the time she begins to slide until he reaches the base.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 6


A softball player hits the ball and starts running toward first base. Use the particle model to draw a motion diagram showing her position and her average velocity vectors during the first few seconds of her run.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 5


You drop a soccer ball from your third-story balcony. Use the particle model to draw a motion diagram showing the ball’s position and average velocity vectors from the time you release the ball until the instant it touches the ground.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 4


a) Write a paragraph describing the particle model. What is it, and why is it important?

b) Give two examples of situations, different from those described in the text, for which the particle model is appropriate.

c) Give an example of a situation, different from those described in the text, for which it would be inappropriate.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 3


You’re driving along the highway at 60 mph until you enter a town where the speed limit is 30 mph. You slow quickly, but not instantly, to 30 mph. Draw a basic motion diagram of your car, using images from the movie, from 30 s before reaching the city limit until 30 s afterward.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 2


A rocket is launched straight up. Draw a basic motion diagram, using the images from the movie, from the moment of liftoff until the rocket is at an altitude of 500 m.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Exercise and Problems 1


A car skids to a halt to avoid hitting an object in the road. Draw a basic motion diagram, using the images from the movie, from the time the skid begins until the car is stopped.


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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Conceptual Question 8


Determine the signs (positive or negative) of the position, velocity, and acceleration for the particle in Figure Q1.8.

Figure Q1.8

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Physics for Scientists and Engineers 3rd Edition by Randall Knight, Chapter 1 Conceptual Question 7


Determine the signs (positive or negative) of the position, velocity, and acceleration for the particle in Figure Q1.7.

Figure Q1.7

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