Coupled ODEs in Electromagnetism

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a set of coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs) related to motion in an electromagnetic context. The specific equations of motion are given as ##\ddot{y}= \omega \dot{z}## and ##\ddot{z}= \omega (\frac{E}{B}-\dot{y})##, which suggest a relationship between the variables y and z influenced by parameters ω, E, and B.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore integration of the equations to find expressions for ##\dot{y}## and ##\dot{z}##, leading to confusion regarding the appearance of trigonometric functions in the solutions. Some participants question the assumptions made during integration and the nature of the driving forces involved.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct forms of the solutions, with some participants suggesting that the equations represent a driven oscillator. Guidance has been offered regarding the nature of particular solutions, but there remains uncertainty about the integration steps and the role of constants in the solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential typos and misunderstandings in the equations presented, as well as the implications of setting ##\ddot{z} = 0## for finding particular solutions. The discussion reflects a lack of consensus on the correct approach to integrating the equations and interpreting the results.

Astrum
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Homework Statement


Solve the equations of motion ##\ddot{y}= \omega \dot{z}## and ##\ddot{z}= \omega (\frac{E}{B}-\dot{y})##


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Integrate the first equation to get ##\dot{y}=\omega z + c_1## and plug into equation 2: ##\ddot{z}=\omega (\frac{E}{B}-\omega z + c_1## simplify ##\ddot{z}= \omega \frac{E}{B} - \omega ^2 z + \omega c_1## and integrating again leaves ##\dot{z}= \omega \frac{E}{B}t - \omega ^2 zt + c_1 t +c_2##

The next step is where everything seems to go off the rails. second integration of ##\dot{y}## gives ##\omega z t + c_1 t + c_3 = y(t)## and the second integral of ##\dot{z}## gives ##\omega \frac{E}{B}t-\omega ^2 z t + \omega c_1 t + \omega c_4##

The solution the worked example gives are $$ y(t) = c_1 cos(\omega t) + c_2 sin(\omega t) + (E/Bt + c_3$$ and $$z(t) = c_2 cos(\omega t) - c_1 sin(\omega t) + c_4$$

Where did the trig functions come from?!
 
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You started off right. ##\dot{y} = \omega z + c_1## so ##\ddot{z} + \omega^{2} z - \omega(\frac{E}{B} + c_{1}) = 0##. The next step is where you messed up (you forgot that ##z = z(t)##). This is the equation for a driven oscillator. What's the solution for such an equation?
 
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Alright, so after doing some more reading, I'm still stuck.

The general solution for a dampened oscillator of the form ##\ddot{z}+2 \beta \dot{x} + \omega ^2 x = f(t)## is ##Ae^{- \beta t}(C_1 e ^{\sqrt{ \beta ^2 - \omega ^2}}+C_2 e ^{-\sqrt{ \beta ^2 - \omega ^2}})##. If I understood correctly, the solution for a driven oscillator will be this expression PLUS the "particular" solution.

In this case we have ##\ddot{z}-\omega ^2 z = \omega (E/B) + C_1 \omega## the solution, if this were a non-driven system, would be ##C_1 cos( \omega t) - C_2 sin(\omega t)##, but I know there needs to be a constant added here, I just don't know where it came from.

Yeah, still confused by the extra force term. There is no damping force, only the natural frequency plus the driving force.
 
Last edited:
If the driving force is constant you can find the particular solution by setting ##\ddot{z}=0##.

ehild
 
There are some typos in your post. I correct them.
Astrum said:
The general solution for a dampened oscillator of the form ##\ddot{z}+2 \beta \dot{z} + \omega ^2 z= 0## is ##Ae^{- \beta t}(C_1 e ^{\sqrt{ \beta ^2 - \omega ^2}t}+C_2 e ^{-\sqrt{ \beta ^2 - \omega ^2}t})##. If I understood correctly, the solution for a driven oscillator will be this expression PLUS the "particular" solution.

For a particular solution, see the attachment in https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=641578, #17

ehild
 
Why would I set ##\ddot{z} = 0##? And even if I did, that gives ##\omega ^2 z = \omega (E/B) + C_1 \omega \rightarrow E/(\omega B) + C_1 / \omega ##
 
Astrum said:
Why would I set ##\ddot{z} = 0##? And even if I did, that gives ##\omega ^2 z = \omega (E/B) + C_1 \omega \rightarrow E/(\omega B) + C_1 / \omega ##

That means z=const is a particular solution with the constant E/(ωB)+C1/ω. Check.

The general solution of the equation ##\ddot{z}-\omega ^2 z = \omega (E/B) + C_1 \omega## is

##z=C_2\cos(ωt)+C_3\sin(ωt)+\frac{E}{ωB}+\frac{C_1}{ω}##

ehild
 

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