Calculating Velocity of a Falling Water Drop Using Newton's Second Law

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a falling water drop whose mass increases over time, modeled by m=kt². The equation of motion is rearranged and integrated, leading to the expression v = gt/3. However, the user is confused about the discrepancy between their derived result and the provided answer choices, which range from 0.25g to g. They seek assistance in identifying any errors in their calculations. The thread highlights the complexities of applying Newton's Second Law to a system with a changing mass.
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Homework Statement



A drop of water of mass m is falling vertically towards the ground. Due to moisture, the mass of the drop is increasing as given by m=kt2. The equation of motion is

mdv/dt + vdm/dt = mg

find v after 1 second.

Homework Equations



The integrating factor of an imperfect integral

Adx + Bdy = 0

is given by Q = eintegral fydy

where fy = 1/A[ dB/dx - dA/dy]

The Attempt at a Solution



rearranging the equation of motion

dv/dt + (v/m)dm/dt -g = 0

substituting m = kt2 and dm/dt = 2kt

dv/dt + 2v/t - g =0

i.e dv + (2v/t -g )dt = 0 , now it is the form Adv + Bdt, where A=1, B=(2v/t-g)here ft= 1/1[ 2/t-0] = 2/t, integral ftdt = 2lnt = ln t2

integrating factor Q = eintegral ftdt = elnt2 = t2multplying the DE by the int factor

t2dv + 2vtdt - gt2dt = 0

the first two terms combine to form a perfect integral

dU where U = vt2

so dU - gt2 = 0

integrating

U - gt3/3 = C , where C is a constant

ie vt2 - gt3/3 = C

when t=0, C=0 so

v = gt/3

I can't find anything wrong with my work, but the answer choices to the question are

1, 0.25 g
2, 0.5 g
3, 0.75 g
4, g

Can some1 tell me where I messed up? thanks in advance.
 
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