Cal II question with physics involved.

  • Thread starter Thread starter oinkbanana
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on three calculus problems related to physics, specifically from a Calculus II class. The first problem involves calculating the total mass of a metal rod with a density proportional to the cube of the distance from one end, using the integral of density over volume. The second problem requires determining the work done in raising a 50 ft chain weighing 1 lb/ft to a horizontal position, utilizing the work-energy principle. The third problem addresses the work done in moving a particle under a force inversely proportional to the square of the distance, necessitating integration along the x-axis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, specifically definite integrals
  • Knowledge of physics concepts such as work and force
  • Familiarity with density functions and their applications in mass calculations
  • Ability to apply calculus to solve real-world problems involving motion and forces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the disc method for calculating volumes in calculus
  • Learn about the work-energy principle in physics
  • Explore integration techniques for solving problems involving variable forces
  • Review applications of density functions in physics and engineering contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students in Calculus II, physics enthusiasts, educators teaching calculus applications in physics, and anyone looking to enhance their problem-solving skills in mathematical physics.

oinkbanana
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
hey. I got these three math questions that I can't figure out. These are for a Calculus II class. it's the "word problem" & physics part of it that confuses me, because if i was given an equation to figure out I'm certain i could do it. but i'll follow your guidelines and give it a shot.

Question A)

Homework Statement


Find the total mass of a metal rod with length "l" if the density at every point is proportional to the cube of the distance from the left end of the rod with coefficient of proportionality "k".

Homework Equations


since its' a rod, we'll use disc method to find the total volume
& p=m/v

The Attempt at a Solution


pi * integral from one to infinity of (k/(x^3))^2

pi*k*(1/-5x^5) ] from one to infinity
=pi*k/-5
Question B)

Homework Statement


b) a chain 50 ft long and weighing 1 lb/ft is hanging vertically. How much work is done in raising the chain to a horizontal position at the level of the top of the chain?

Homework Equations


W=F*d

The Attempt at a Solution


i'll try a Sum attempt by breaking it into 25 parts of 1 feet ; where I'm raising the bottom of the chain by 2 foot.
(1 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)+(2 feet of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)+(3 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)...+(25 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)
=25! feet of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot

work done = 25!*2

I believe this problem might need me to use hyperbolic functions, which were not covered..Question C)

Homework Statement


c) Two particles repel each other with a force inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. If one particle remains fixed at a point on the x-axis 2 units to the right of the origin, find the work done in moving the second particle along the x-axis from a point 3 units to the left of the origin to the origin if the coefficient of proportionality is k.

Homework Equations


?

The Attempt at a Solution


integral from -5 to -2 of (1/k)*d
=(25/2k)-(4/2k)
=21/2k

any help on any of these three problems will be greatly appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
oinkbanana said:
hey. I got these three math questions that I can't figure out. These are for a Calculus II class. it's the "word problem" & physics part of it that confuses me, because if i was given an equation to figure out I'm certain i could do it. but i'll follow your guidelines and give it a shot.

Question A)

Homework Statement


Find the total mass of a metal rod with length "l" if the density at every point is proportional to the cube of the distance from the left end of the rod with coefficient of proportionality "k".


Homework Equations


since its' a rod, we'll use disc method to find the total volume
& p=m/v


The Attempt at a Solution


pi * integral from one to infinity of (k/(x^3))^2

pi*k*(1/-5x^5) ] from one to infinity
=pi*k/-5

Why do you have pi in the expressions above? And why are you using disks? What you need to do is to find an expression that gives the mass of a typical mass element, \Delta m. You are given that the density (which I think you can assume is in units of mass/length rather than mass/ volume) is proportional to the cube of the distance from the left end.

Let x = the distance your typical mass element is from the left end of the rod.
So d = kx^3.
Now, the mass of the typical mass element will be its density times its length. Your total mass will be the integral over the length of the rod of all of the typical mass elements.
oinkbanana said:
Question B)

Homework Statement


b) a chain 50 ft long and weighing 1 lb/ft is hanging vertically. How much work is done in raising the chain to a horizontal position at the level of the top of the chain?

Homework Equations


W=F*d

The Attempt at a Solution


i'll try a Sum attempt by breaking it into 25 parts of 1 feet ; where I'm raising the bottom of the chain by 2 foot.
(1 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)+(2 feet of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)+(3 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)...+(25 foot of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot)
=25! feet of chain*2 feet * 1lb/foot

work done = 25!*2

I believe this problem might need me to use hyperbolic functions, which were not covered..


Question C)

Homework Statement


c) Two particles repel each other with a force inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. If one particle remains fixed at a point on the x-axis 2 units to the right of the origin, find the work done in moving the second particle along the x-axis from a point 3 units to the left of the origin to the origin if the coefficient of proportionality is k.

Homework Equations


?

The Attempt at a Solution


integral from -5 to -2 of (1/k)*d
=(25/2k)-(4/2k)
=21/2k




any help on any of these three problems will be greatly appreciated!
 
ok.

let me know if this is correct:
Question A)
M=integral(pdV). p=kr^3 and dV=drda with da=cross section of rod. limits of integration are 0 and L.

M=(k*l^4)/4 ??
Question B)
w=fd or PE=mgh. the center of mass is at the mid point of the chain, so h or d is 25 feet. m is the mass of the chain, and g is the gravitational constant, 32 ft/s^2

25 feet * 50lb * 32 ft/s^2

=40000lb/s^2

should'nt there be calculus involved in this?Question c)
w=fd. f=k/r^2. d=dr, integrating from infinite radius to r=5.

=k/5
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K