Question

A particle moves along the straight-line OX, starting from O with a velocity 4 cm/sec. At time t seconds its acceleration is (5 + 6t) cm/sec^2. What will be the velocity of the particle from O after 4 seconds?

(a) 70 cm/sec

(b) 71 cm/sec

(c) 72 cm/sec

(d) 73 cm/sec

I have been asked this question during an online interview.

This intriguing question comes from Calculus Application topic in portion Application of Calculus of Mathematics – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) 72 cm/sec

The best I can explain: Let, vcm/sec be the velocity and x cm be the distance of the particle from O and time t seconds.

Then the velocity of the particle at time t seconds is, v = dx/dt

By the question, dv/dt = 5 + 6t

Or dv = (5 + 6t) dt

Or ∫dv = ∫(5 + 6t) dt

Or v = 5t + 6*(t^2)/2 + A    ……….(1)

By question v = 4, when t = 0;

Hence, from (1) we get, A = 4.

Thus, v = dx/dt = 5t + 3(t^2) + 4   ……….(2)

Thus, velocity of the particle after 4 seconds,

= [v]t = 4 = (5*4 + 3*4^2 + 4)  [putting t = 4 in (2)]

= 72 cm/sec.