Position Dependent Forces: Finding Velocity as a Function of Displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the velocity as a function of displacement for a particle under the influence of a position-dependent force. The force is given by F(x) = Fo + Cx, where Fo and C are positive constants, and the particle starts from rest at x=0.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the velocity function by applying the work-energy principle and integrating the force equation. Some participants question the integration limits and the setup of the equations, while others clarify the integration steps involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing insights into the integration process and checking assumptions about constants and initial conditions. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the integration steps, but no explicit consensus has been reached on the final form of the velocity function.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the particle starts from rest, which implies specific initial conditions (v0 = 0, x0 = 0) that influence the integration process. There is an emphasis on ensuring clarity regarding the variables and constants involved in the equations.

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the question asks,
Find the velocity v as a function of the displacement x for a particle of mass m, which starts from rest x=0
F(x)=Fo + Cx where Fo and C are positive constants
So far I've gotten,
ma=Fo + Cx
m (dv/dt)=Fo +Cx
m (dv/dx dx/dt)=Fo +Cx I split dv/dt using the product rule
m v dv=(Fo + Cx) dx v=dx/dt
now I'm haveing problems doing the intergal of both sides i have so far
m(v-vo)=?

can anyone help?
I've intergrated on the LHS from vo to v and i think the RHS should be from xo to x
 
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What the problem?

[tex]mvdv=(F_{o} + C_{x})dx[/tex]

[tex]\int_{v_{o}}^{v} mvdv= \int_{x_{o}}^{x} (F_{o} + Cx)dx[/tex]

[tex]\int_{v_{o}}^{v} mvdv= \int_{x_{o}}^{x} F_{o}dx + \int_{x_{o}}^{x} Cxdx[/tex]

Mass is a constant
Fo and C are positive constants

Integrate.

[tex]m \int_{v_{o}}^{v} vdv= F_{o} \int_{x_{o}}^{x} dx + C \int_{x_{o}}^{x} xdx[/tex]

You should have:

[tex]m \frac{1}{2}v^2]_{v_{o}}^{v}= F_{o}x]_{x_{o}}^{x}+ \frac{1}{2}Cx^2]_{x_{o}}^{x}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{1}{2}m(v^2 - v_{o}^2)= F_{o}(x-x_{o})+ \frac{1}{2}C(x^2-x_{o}^2)[/tex]

Our Particle starts from rest (Vo = 0) at x = 0 so

We got

[tex]\frac{1}{2}m(v^2)= F_{o}x+ \frac{1}{2}Cx^2[/tex]

[tex]v(x) = \sqrt{\frac{2F_{o}x+ Cx^2}{m}}[/tex]

There you go.
 
Last edited:
[tex]m \int_{v_{o}}^{v} vdv= F_{o} \int_{x_{o}}^{x} dx + C_{x} \int_{x_{o}}^{x} dx[/tex]
should be

[tex]m \int_{v_{o}}^{v} vdv= F_{o} \int_{x_{o}}^{x} dx + C \int_{x_{o}}^{x} xdx[/tex]
sorry i didn't explain it well enough C and X are separate

so does that mean the solution would be:
[tex]1/2mv^2=F_{o}x + 1/2Cx^2[/tex]
[tex]v= \sqrt {(2F_{o}x)/m + (Cx^2)/m}[/tex]
 
Oh ok no problem, but at least you got it :smile:
 
[tex]v_{o} = 0 , x_{o} = 0[/tex]


thanks for your help
 
Always a pleasure to help, and Welcome to PF! :smile:
 

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