how to write matlab code for physics problem?

If something is accelerated to a speed of 255 m/s in 1.99 seconds, then what is the acceleration and what is the distance that it travels. Also I need to be able to solve for d or solve for t(eg. a speed at 290 m/s and traveled 100m what was the time). I know the equation to solve for d would be vf = vi + a*t and to solve for t is f(t)=.5*a*t^2+Vi*t-d.

Vi=0

a = Delta v/t

Answer 1

[James Tursa]

You do not explicitly state that acceleration is constant, but I assume that is the case. The equations then are simply

vf = vi + a*t

df = di + vi*t + 0.5*a*t^2

Use these equations to solve for various items based on what is given.

[Pablo Sanchez]

Sorry I missed an equation. acceleration will be solved using

a=Delta v/t

[James Tursa]

That is simply the first equation I wrote, solving for a.

[Pablo Sanchez]

I have the equations, I need help on writing code to solve it

[James Tursa]

This is simple algebra. Plug in what you know and solve for the one variable that you don't know. You need help with that part?

Answer 2

[Image Analyst]

Just use

a = (Vf - Vi) / 1.99;

and then solve analytically for d in "Vf^2=Vi^2+2*a*d"

d = .........

Then solve for f. I'm guessing that you're supposed to assume the acceleration stops after 1.99 seconds so a=0 for those times. So the "coasting velocity" would be 255 (not 290). You have to take into account that acceleration is zero after the first 1.99 seconds. It's essentially an algebra problem that can be solved analytically, but you can solve it numerically with MATLAB is you want.

[Pablo Sanchez]

How would I get it so the user can decide whether I want the code to solve for d or t (depedning on what the user chooses)? I know if loops are involved but how would I structure it.

[Image Analyst]

You can use questdlg() to ask them if they want to solve for d or t.