Differential equation for changing mass of a sphere

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on deriving the differential equation for the mass of a sphere with a density function that varies with radius and potentially time. The mass is expressed as M(t) = 4π ∫₀^{r(t)} ρ(u) u² du, where ρ(u) is the density as a function of radius. The correct application of the chain rule leads to the equation dM/dt = 4πρ(r(t))r(t)²(dr/dt) for a static density. If density varies with time, the equation expands to include a partial derivative term: dM/dt = 4πρ(r(t), t)r(t)²(dr/dt) + 4π∫₀^{r(t)}(∂ρ/∂t)x²dx.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of integral calculus, particularly the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
  • Familiarity with the chain rule in calculus.
  • Knowledge of functions of multiple variables, specifically how density can depend on both radius and time.
  • Basic concepts of spherical geometry and mass distribution.
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  • Study the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus in depth to understand its applications in physics.
  • Learn about the chain rule in the context of multivariable calculus.
  • Explore the implications of time-dependent density functions in physical systems.
  • Investigate applications of differential equations in modeling dynamic systems with changing mass properties.
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Hypatio
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The mass of a sphere with density as a function of radius is



M=4\pi \int_0^r\rho(r) r^2dr

Lets say the radius increases and decreases as a function of time t. So:

M(t)=4\pi \int_{0}^{r(t)}\rho (r) r(t)^2dr

I want to know the basic equation describing the mass added or removed from the sphere (mass increases when radius increases, mass decreases when radius decreases) as a function of t, starting from any t. The problem is I think I must use a differential form but I'm not sure what it looks like. What then is the differential form of dM(t)/dt? I think I must use a chain rule and write:

\frac{dM}{dt}=\frac{dM}{dr}\frac{dr}{dt}

is this right? How do I proceed to solve this with the integral?
 
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Hypatio said:
The mass of a sphere with density as a function of radius is
M=4\pi \int_0^r\rho(r) r^2dr
Lets say the radius increases and decreases as a function of time t. So:
M(t)=4\pi \int_{0}^{r(t)}\rho (r) r(t)^2dr

Hi !
I am afraid that there is something wrong in your writting. It should be :
M=4\pi \int_0^r\rho(u) u^2du
Lets say the radius increases and decreases as a function of time t. So:
M(t)=4\pi \int_{0}^{r(t)}\rho (u) u^2du
You may use any other symbol than u, but not r.
 
Ah yes, sure, the upper limit is the 'full' radius (r) and u is a radius. This doesn't solve my problem though.
 
Yes, the chain rule: \dfrac{dM}{dt}= \dfrac{dM}{dr}\dfrac{dr}{dt}
JJaquelines point helps make sense of the dM/dr.

To find \dfrac{dM}{dt} use the "fundamental theorem of Calculus":
\frac{d}{dr}\int_0^r \rho(u)u^2 du= \rho(r)r^2
 
I guess the solution then is

\frac{dM}{dt}=\frac{4}{3}\pi \rho(r)r^3\frac{dr}{dt}

does the solution change if \rho(r) becomes \rho(r,t) or could I write

\frac{dM}{dt}=\frac{4}{3}\pi \rho(r,t)r^3\frac{dr}{dt}

Thanks.
 
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I don't think so. A term involving the partial derivatine of rho relatively to t is missing into your last equation,
 
Is there a rule I can apply to get this additional term?
 
Hypatio said:
Is there a rule I can apply to get this additional term?

If you have
<br /> F(t) = \int_0^{a(t)} g(r,t)\,\mathrm{d}r<br />
then
F&#039;(t) = \int_0^{a(t)} \left.\frac{\partial g}{\partial t}\right|_{(r,t)}\,\mathrm{d}r + a&#039;(t)g(a(t),t)
assuming g is sufficiently smooth.
 
Please do not mix together dummy variables in the integrand with integral limits.
Properly speaking, you have the following the relation:
M(t)=4\pi\int_{0}^{r(t)}\rho(x)x^{2}dx
Thus, you have:
\frac{dM}{dt}=4\pi\rho(r(t))r(t)^{2}\frac{dr}{dt}
which has as interpretation that only the outermost spherical shell at r(t) determines the total change of mass.

Every compact ball strictly contained within the outermost shell (radii less than r(t)) remains constant in mass.

However:
Suppose you have a ball where at different times, the density at some fixed radius "x" may change as a function of time. Then, you have:
M(t)=4\pi\int_{0}^{r(t)}\rho(x,t)x^{2}dx
In this case, the total mass of the ball will be due to two distinct effects:
1. The ball shrinks or expands. This gives the contribution given above.
2. The interior of the ball may change its mass. This effect is new.

In sum, you'll then get:
\frac{dM}{dt}=4\pi\rho(r(t),t)r(t)^{2}\frac{dr}{dt}+4\pi\int_{0}^{r(t)}\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial{t}}x^{2}dx
 
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  • #10
Hypatio said:
Is there a rule I can apply to get this additional term?
The general formula below shows the rule for derivation :
 

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  • #11
Hypatio said:
So the chain rule no longer applies??
Of course, the chain rule continues to applies !
The formula given above is the application of the chain rule in case of an integral with the integrand and limits which are functions of the variable considered for derivation.
 

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