Calculating Velocity in the Millikan Oil Drop Experiment

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the velocity of an oil drop in the Millikan oil drop experiment, focusing on the differential equation governing its motion. Participants highlight the challenge of integrating the equation due to the presence of velocity on both sides, emphasizing the need to separate variables correctly. Several methods for solving the differential equation are proposed, including using definite integrals to simplify the integration process and eliminate constants. There is also debate over the correctness of solutions found online, particularly regarding the exponential terms involved. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the importance of careful algebraic manipulation and understanding the physical context of the experiment to derive the correct velocity function.
  • #51
Good job by @EpselonZero for staying with it until it was solved. Suggestion is to also understand the solution given in post 28. In general, this is a very standard differential equation with a solution to the homogeneous equation, (where the right side is set to zero), that comes with an arbitrary constant ## C ##, along with the particular solution. If you haven't yet had a course in differential equations, you would do well to take one as soon as you can.
 
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  • #52
Alright, I'll try it.
I have done a course in differential equations, but I forgot a lot of things.
 
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  • #53
Don't worry. Practice, practice and practice.
 
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