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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of a falling water drop using Newton's Second Law, specifically addressing the equation of motion where the mass of the drop increases over time as m=kt². The user derives the differential equation and integrates it to find the velocity after 1 second, concluding with the expression v = gt/3. However, the user is uncertain about the correctness of their solution compared to provided answer choices, which include 0.25g, 0.5g, 0.75g, and g. The key issue lies in the integration and application of the initial conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with differential equations and integrating factors
  • Knowledge of calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Concept of variable mass systems in physics
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  • Study the application of integrating factors in solving differential equations
  • Learn about the implications of initial conditions in physics problems
  • Explore examples of motion with changing mass, such as rocket propulsion
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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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