## 17Calculus Vector Functions - Projectile Motion

##### 17Calculus

This page covers the basics of working with the position, velocity and acceleration vector functions. The acceleration vector that you learn about on this page can be expressed in terms of the unit tangent vector and the principal unit normal vector, which you can find on the acceleration vector components page.

Calculating The Velocity and Acceleration

Projectile motion using vector functions works just as you would expect. The following table lists the equations. If $$\vec{r}(t)$$ is a vector function describing the position of a projectile, the velocity is $$\vec{v}(t)=\vec{r}'(t)$$ and the acceleration is $$\vec{a}(t)=\vec{v}'(t)=\vec{r}''(t)$$.

Position $$\vec{r}(t) =x(t)\vhat{i}+y(t)\vhat{j}+z(t)\vhat{k}$$ $$\vec{v}(t)=x'(t)\vhat{i}+y'(t)\vhat{j}+z'(t)\vhat{k}$$ $$=\vec{r}'(t)$$ $$\| \vec{v}(t) \|$$ $$\vec{a}(t)=x''(t)\vhat{i}+y''(t)\vhat{j}+z''(t)\vhat{k}$$ $$=\vec{v}'(t)$$ $$=\vec{r}''(t)$$

There are really no surprises here. Notice that the speed is just the magnitude of the velocity and so it's value is always a positive scalar. Some instructors use the terms speed and velocity interchangeably but they actually refer to different things.

Calculating The Position Vector

Sometimes we are given the acceleration vector or the velocity vector and asked to calculate the position vector. In those cases we use integration. As you would expect, to get the velocity vector from the acceleration vector, we use these equations.

Acceleration $$\vec{a}(t)=a_x(t)\vhat{i}+a_y(t)\vhat{j}+a_z(t)\vhat{k}$$ $$\vec{v}(t)=\int{a_x(t)~dt}\vhat{i} + \int{a_y(t)~dt}\vhat{j} + \int{a_z(t)~dt}\vhat{k} + \vec{C} =$$ $$\int{\vec{a}(t)~dt} + \vec{C}$$

Note - - In the equation for the velocity vector, the vector $$\vec{C}$$ is the constant vector that we get when we do integration. The velocity vector could also be written $$\vec{v}(t)=\left[ \int{a_x(t)~dt} + C_x \right] \vhat{i} + \left[ \int{a_y(t)~dt} + C_y \right] \vhat{j} + \left[ \int{a_z(t)~dt} + C_z \right] \vhat{k}$$ where $$\vec{C} = C_x\vhat{i} + C_y\vhat{j} + C_z\vhat{k}$$.

Once we have the velocity vector (or if we are given the velocity vector), we can calculate the position vector. For the equations below, we assume the velocity vector is in the form $$\vec{v}(t) = v_x\vhat{i} + v_y\vhat{j} + v_z\vhat{k}$$.

Velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = v_x\vhat{i} + v_y\vhat{j} + v_z\vhat{k}$$ $$\vec{r}(t) = \int{v_x~dt}\vhat{i} + \int{v_y~dt}\vhat{j} + \int{v_z~dt}\vhat{k} + \vec{K}$$

In each of the above equations we end up with general constants, in our case $$\vec{C}$$ and $$\vec{K}$$. You will probably run across problems that give you information that you can use to find the actual values of these constants. Most of the time the information is given in the form of initial conditions, i.e. values of velocity and/or position at time $$t=0$$. However, values at any other time will also allow you to find the constants. To do this, you substitute the value for time into the final equation and evaluate. Some practice problems demonstrate how to do this.

Acceleration Vector Components

The acceleration vector $$\vec{a}(t)= x''(t)\vhat{i}+y''(t)\vhat{j}+z''(t)\vhat{k}$$ can be expressed in terms of two other unit vectors, the unit tangent vector and the principal unit normal vector. After working some practice problems, you need to learn how to calculate the other two unit vectors before learning how to write the acceleration using them.

Practice

Find velocity and acceleration vectors when $$t = 0$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = e^{2t}\hat{i} + e^{-t}\hat{j}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity and acceleration vectors when $$t = 0$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = e^{2t}\hat{i} + e^{-t}\hat{j}$$

 velocity $$\vec{v}(0) = \vec{r}'(0) = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(0) = \vec{r}''(0) = 4\hat{i} + \hat{j}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity and acceleration vectors when $$t = 0$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = e^{2t}\hat{i} + e^{-t}\hat{j}$$

Solution

### Krista King Math - 715 video solution

video by Krista King Math

 velocity $$\vec{v}(0) = \vec{r}'(0) = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(0) = \vec{r}''(0) = 4\hat{i} + \hat{j}$$

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Find velocity and acceleration at $$t=3/4$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = 3\cos(2\pi t)\hat{i} +$$ $$3\sin(2\pi t)\hat{j}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity and acceleration at $$t=3/4$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = 3\cos(2\pi t)\hat{i} +$$ $$3\sin(2\pi t)\hat{j}$$

 velocity $$\vec{r}'(3/4) = 6\pi \hat{i}$$ acceleration $$\vec{r}''(3/4) = 12\pi^2\hat{j}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity and acceleration at $$t=3/4$$ for $$\vec{r}(t) = 3\cos(2\pi t)\hat{i} +$$ $$3\sin(2\pi t)\hat{j}$$

Solution

### Krista King Math - 716 video solution

video by Krista King Math

 velocity $$\vec{r}'(3/4) = 6\pi \hat{i}$$ acceleration $$\vec{r}''(3/4) = 12\pi^2\hat{j}$$

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As time $$t>0$$ increases, a particle travels along the curve $$\mathcal{C}$$ with position parameterized by $$\vec{r}(t) = 2(\cos t+t\sin t)\hat{i} +$$ $$2(\sin t-t\cos t)\hat{j}$$. For each $$t>0$$, compute the tangent (velocity) vector and the speed. What is the length of the curve which the particle travels over between $$t=0$$ and $$t=4\pi$$?

Problem Statement

As time $$t>0$$ increases, a particle travels along the curve $$\mathcal{C}$$ with position parameterized by $$\vec{r}(t) = 2(\cos t+t\sin t)\hat{i} +$$ $$2(\sin t-t\cos t)\hat{j}$$. For each $$t>0$$, compute the tangent (velocity) vector and the speed. What is the length of the curve which the particle travels over between $$t=0$$ and $$t=4\pi$$?

Hint

For the length of the curve, use the equation $$L = \int_{a}^{b}{ \sqrt{x'(t)^2 + y'(t)^2 } ~dt }$$. See the vector functions arc length page for details.

Problem Statement

As time $$t>0$$ increases, a particle travels along the curve $$\mathcal{C}$$ with position parameterized by $$\vec{r}(t) = 2(\cos t+t\sin t)\hat{i} +$$ $$2(\sin t-t\cos t)\hat{j}$$. For each $$t>0$$, compute the tangent (velocity) vector and the speed. What is the length of the curve which the particle travels over between $$t=0$$ and $$t=4\pi$$?

Hint

For the length of the curve, use the equation $$L = \int_{a}^{b}{ \sqrt{x'(t)^2 + y'(t)^2 } ~dt }$$. See the vector functions arc length page for details.

Solution

In the middle of the video solution for this problem is a part that you were not asked to do in the problem statement, from about 8 minutes to about 10 and a half minutes in the video.

### Dr Chris Tisdell - 706 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

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Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i} + t^2\hat{j} + t^3\hat{k}$$.

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i} + t^2\hat{j} + t^3\hat{k}$$.

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = \hat{i} + 2t\hat{j} + 3t^2\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = 2\hat{j} + 6t\hat{k}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = \sqrt{1+4t^2+9t^4}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i} + t^2\hat{j} + t^3\hat{k}$$.

Solution

### Krista King Math - 712 video solution

video by Krista King Math

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = \hat{i} + 2t\hat{j} + 3t^2\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = 2\hat{j} + 6t\hat{k}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = \sqrt{1+4t^2+9t^4}$$

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Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i}+3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$.

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i}+3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$.

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = \hat{i} + 3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = 3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = \sqrt{1+25e^{2t}}$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = t\hat{i}+3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$.

Solution

### Krista King Math - 713 video solution

video by Krista King Math

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = \hat{i} + 3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = 3e^t\hat{j} + 4e^t\hat{k}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = \sqrt{1+25e^{2t}}$$

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Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = (3\cos t)\hat{i} +$$ $$(3\sin t)\hat{j} - 4t\hat{k}$$.

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = (3\cos t)\hat{i} +$$ $$(3\sin t)\hat{j} - 4t\hat{k}$$.

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = (-3\sin t)\hat{i} + (3\cos t)\hat{j} - 4\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = (-3\cos t)\hat{i} - 3 \sin t \hat{j}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = 5$$

Problem Statement

Find velocity, acceleration and speed for the position function $$\vec{r}(t) = (3\cos t)\hat{i} +$$ $$(3\sin t)\hat{j} - 4t\hat{k}$$.

Solution

### Krista King Math - 714 video solution

video by Krista King Math

 velocity $$\vec{v}(t) = \vec{r}'(t) = (-3\sin t)\hat{i} + (3\cos t)\hat{j} - 4\hat{k}$$ acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \vec{r}''(t) = (-3\cos t)\hat{i} - 3 \sin t \hat{j}$$ speed $$\| \vec{v}(t) \| = 5$$

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For the position function $$\vec{r}(t)=\langle t-\sin t,1-\cos t\rangle$$, find the velocity and acceleration vectors at the point $$(\pi,2)$$.

Problem Statement

For the position function $$\vec{r}(t)=\langle t-\sin t,1-\cos t\rangle$$, find the velocity and acceleration vectors at the point $$(\pi,2)$$.

$$\vec{v}(\pi) = \langle 2,0\rangle$$; $$\vec{a}(\pi) = \langle 0,-1 \rangle$$

Problem Statement

For the position function $$\vec{r}(t)=\langle t-\sin t,1-\cos t\rangle$$, find the velocity and acceleration vectors at the point $$(\pi,2)$$.

Solution

The equations we need are $$\vec{v}(t)=\vec{r}'(t)$$ and $$\vec{a}(t)=\vec{v}'(t)$$. So the velocity vector is $$\vec{v}(t)=\langle 1-\cos t, \sin t\rangle$$.
Now we need to find t. We are given the point $$(\pi,2)$$ on the position vector. So we have two equations we can use to find t,
$$t-\sin t=\pi$$ and $$1-\cos t=2$$. The second one is easier to solve for t, so we have
$$1-\cos t=2 \to$$ $$\cos t=-1 \to$$ $$t=\pi$$
Just to double-check, if we let $$t=\pi$$ in the equation $$t-\sin t=\pi$$, the answer checks.
So $$\vec{v}(\pi)=\langle 1-\cos \pi, \sin\pi\rangle$$ giving us $$\vec{v}(\pi)=\langle 2,0 \rangle$$.

To get the acceleration vector, we take the derivative of the velocity vector, i.e. $$\vec{a}(t)=\vec{v}'(t)$$. So $$\vec{a}(t)=\langle \sin t, \cos t\rangle$$ and at the point $$(\pi,2)$$ the acceleration vector is $$\vec{a}(\pi)=\langle 0,-1\rangle$$.
Although the problem statement did not ask for a graph, here is a graph of the position function, the velocity vector and the acceleration vector.

$$\vec{v}(\pi) = \langle 2,0\rangle$$; $$\vec{a}(\pi) = \langle 0,-1 \rangle$$

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Find the position vector function $$\vec{r}(t)$$ for a particle with acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \langle 2t,2\sin(t),\cos(4t)\rangle$$, initial velocity $$\vec{v}(0)=\langle 1,-3,2\rangle$$ and initial position $$\vec{r}(0)=\langle 2,4,-1\rangle$$.

Problem Statement

Find the position vector function $$\vec{r}(t)$$ for a particle with acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \langle 2t,2\sin(t),\cos(4t)\rangle$$, initial velocity $$\vec{v}(0)=\langle 1,-3,2\rangle$$ and initial position $$\vec{r}(0)=\langle 2,4,-1\rangle$$.

$$\vec{r}(t) = \langle (1/3)t^3+t+2,$$ $$-2\sin(t)-t+4,$$ $$(-1/16)\cos(4t)+2t-15/16\rangle$$

Problem Statement

Find the position vector function $$\vec{r}(t)$$ for a particle with acceleration $$\vec{a}(t) = \langle 2t,2\sin(t),\cos(4t)\rangle$$, initial velocity $$\vec{v}(0)=\langle 1,-3,2\rangle$$ and initial position $$\vec{r}(0)=\langle 2,4,-1\rangle$$.

Solution

### MIP4U - 2056 video solution

video by MIP4U

$$\vec{r}(t) = \langle (1/3)t^3+t+2,$$ $$-2\sin(t)-t+4,$$ $$(-1/16)\cos(4t)+2t-15/16\rangle$$

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Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=1$$ given by the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = t\vhat{i} + (-0.5t^2+4)\vhat{j}$$.

Problem Statement

Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=1$$ given by the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = t\vhat{i} + (-0.5t^2+4)\vhat{j}$$.

$$\vec{v}(1)=\langle 1,-1 \rangle$$, speed=$$\sqrt{2}$$, $$\vec{a}(1)=\langle 0,-1 \rangle$$

Problem Statement

Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=1$$ given by the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = t\vhat{i} + (-0.5t^2+4)\vhat{j}$$.

Solution

### MIP4U - 2057 video solution

video by MIP4U

$$\vec{v}(1)=\langle 1,-1 \rangle$$, speed=$$\sqrt{2}$$, $$\vec{a}(1)=\langle 0,-1 \rangle$$

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Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=2$$ for the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = \cos(\pi t)\vhat{i} + \sin(\pi t)\vhat{j} +$$ $$(t^2/2)\vhat{k}$$

Problem Statement

Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=2$$ for the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = \cos(\pi t)\vhat{i} + \sin(\pi t)\vhat{j} +$$ $$(t^2/2)\vhat{k}$$

$$\vec{v}(2) = \langle 0,\pi,2 \rangle$$, speed = $$\sqrt{\pi^2+4}$$, $$\vec{a}(2) = \langle -\pi^2,0,1 \rangle$$

Problem Statement

Determine the velocity vector, speed and acceleration vector of an object when $$t=2$$ for the position vector $$\vec{r}(t) = \cos(\pi t)\vhat{i} + \sin(\pi t)\vhat{j} +$$ $$(t^2/2)\vhat{k}$$

Solution

### MIP4U - 2058 video solution

video by MIP4U

$$\vec{v}(2) = \langle 0,\pi,2 \rangle$$, speed = $$\sqrt{\pi^2+4}$$, $$\vec{a}(2) = \langle -\pi^2,0,1 \rangle$$

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Find the velocity and acceleration vectors and speed of the vector function $$\vec{r}(t) = \langle -5t,-3t^2,4t^4+3 \rangle$$ at $$t=1$$.

Problem Statement

Find the velocity and acceleration vectors and speed of the vector function $$\vec{r}(t) = \langle -5t,-3t^2,4t^4+3 \rangle$$ at $$t=1$$.

$$\vec{v}(t) = \langle -5,-6,16\rangle$$, $$\vec{a}(t) = \langle 0,-6,48 \rangle$$, speed = $$\sqrt{317}$$

Problem Statement

Find the velocity and acceleration vectors and speed of the vector function $$\vec{r}(t) = \langle -5t,-3t^2,4t^4+3 \rangle$$ at $$t=1$$.

Solution

### MIP4U - 2059 video solution

video by MIP4U

$$\vec{v}(t) = \langle -5,-6,16\rangle$$, $$\vec{a}(t) = \langle 0,-6,48 \rangle$$, speed = $$\sqrt{317}$$

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A car travels with a velocity vector given by $$\vec{v}(t) = \langle t^2,e^t+1 \rangle$$, where t is measured in seconds and the vector components are measured in feet. If the initial position of the car is $$\vec{r}(0) = \langle 1,3 \rangle$$, find the position of the car after one second.

Problem Statement

A car travels with a velocity vector given by $$\vec{v}(t) = \langle t^2,e^t+1 \rangle$$, where t is measured in seconds and the vector components are measured in feet. If the initial position of the car is $$\vec{r}(0) = \langle 1,3 \rangle$$, find the position of the car after one second.

$$\vec{r}(1) = \langle 4/3, e+3 \rangle$$ feet

Problem Statement

A car travels with a velocity vector given by $$\vec{v}(t) = \langle t^2,e^t+1 \rangle$$, where t is measured in seconds and the vector components are measured in feet. If the initial position of the car is $$\vec{r}(0) = \langle 1,3 \rangle$$, find the position of the car after one second.

Solution

### PatrickJMT - 2060 video solution

video by PatrickJMT

$$\vec{r}(1) = \langle 4/3, e+3 \rangle$$ feet

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A particle moves along a curve whose parametric equations are $$x(t) = e^{-t}$$, $$y(t) = 2\cos(3t)$$, $$z(t) = 2\sin(3t)$$. (a) Determine the velocity and acceleration vectors.
(b) Find the magnitude of the velocity (speed) and acceleration at $$t=0$$.

Problem Statement

A particle moves along a curve whose parametric equations are $$x(t) = e^{-t}$$, $$y(t) = 2\cos(3t)$$, $$z(t) = 2\sin(3t)$$. (a) Determine the velocity and acceleration vectors.
(b) Find the magnitude of the velocity (speed) and acceleration at $$t=0$$.

(a) $$\vec{v}(t) = -e^{-t}\vhat{i} - 6\sin(3t)\vhat{j} + 6\cos(3t)\vhat{k}$$; $$\vec{a}(t) = e^{-t}\vhat{i} - 18\cos(3t)\vhat{j} - 18\sin(3t)\vhat{k}$$
(b) $$\|\vec{v}(0)\| = \sqrt{37}$$; $$\|\vec{a}(0)\| = 5\sqrt{13}$$

Problem Statement

A particle moves along a curve whose parametric equations are $$x(t) = e^{-t}$$, $$y(t) = 2\cos(3t)$$, $$z(t) = 2\sin(3t)$$. (a) Determine the velocity and acceleration vectors.
(b) Find the magnitude of the velocity (speed) and acceleration at $$t=0$$.

Solution

### Dr Chris Tisdell - 2065 video solution

video by Dr Chris Tisdell

(a) $$\vec{v}(t) = -e^{-t}\vhat{i} - 6\sin(3t)\vhat{j} + 6\cos(3t)\vhat{k}$$; $$\vec{a}(t) = e^{-t}\vhat{i} - 18\cos(3t)\vhat{j} - 18\sin(3t)\vhat{k}$$
(b) $$\|\vec{v}(0)\| = \sqrt{37}$$; $$\|\vec{a}(0)\| = 5\sqrt{13}$$

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Given the velocity of a particle is given by $$\langle e^t + 2t, 3t^2+1, 2\cos(2t) \rangle$$ and at time $$t=0$$ the particle is at position $$\langle 2,0,-1\rangle$$, then determine the position of the particle at time $$t=2$$.

Problem Statement

Given the velocity of a particle is given by $$\langle e^t + 2t, 3t^2+1, 2\cos(2t) \rangle$$ and at time $$t=0$$ the particle is at position $$\langle 2,0,-1\rangle$$, then determine the position of the particle at time $$t=2$$.

Solution

### Steve Butler - 4373 video solution

video by Steve Butler

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