2nd Diff eq application - Vertical stretch

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a second differential equation application related to vertical stretching, with specific focus on two cases involving different initial conditions: one where a force pulls down and another where it pushes up. Participants are exploring the implications of these conditions on the problem setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the differences in handling the two cases of initial conditions. Questions are raised about the use of roots in the equations and the implications of the chosen coordinate system. There is also a request for clarification on the independent variable used in the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the structure of the equations and the interpretation of the initial conditions, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential issues with the computerized teaching tools being used, as well as concerns about the physical setup of the problem, such as the choice of coordinate system and the behavior of the spring under different weights.

Arij
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Hello guys,
first I am sorry I didn't use the template. I deleted it by mistake and I didn't know how to create a new thread from scratch.

so I have two cases of the same problem, on with initial conditions of pulling down and the other pushing up, I tried different signs but It didn't work. Can anyone explain to me the difference in dealing with this?
Screen Shot 2016-08-10 at 4.54.05 PM.png
Screen Shot 2016-08-10 at 4.53.55 PM.png


thank you
 
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Hi,
Bit difficult to help here. I take it this is a computerized teaching situation and you did well on the picture on the left (I don't see the green shading, though). And not so well on the right. Is that correct ?
If so, I notice you use the two roots on the left, but not on the right. Could you type your work that leads you to ##2e^{-x}## ?
 
You can simply recover the template by starting a new thread and then cut the template from the new thread and paste it in the existing one. Then not post the new thread.

Looked at your work (as if I have plenty of time to do so...) and found you made a very simple mistake. I don't blame you but I blame your computerized workbook for three reasons:
  1. choosing y+ as 'down' is unhealthy
  2. working in the cgs system is very unhealthy
  3. a spring that stretches 1.11 m when 2 gram weight is appended is weird
If you write down your two equations for the initial conditions you'll see your mistake right away :smile:.
 
Last edited:
Oh, and what is the independent variable ? x ? :rolleyes:

[edit] skip my last tip in #3; you did enter -2 at first, I can assume.
 

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