Differential Equation - Uniqueness Theroem

In summary: Yes, this model does say something about the way raindrops form. It shows that the volume of a raindrop increases as time goes on.
  • #1
cse63146
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Homework Statement



The differential equation that models the volume of a raindrop is [tex]\frac{dv}{dt} = kv^{2/3}[/tex] where [tex]k = 3^{2/3}(4 \pi)^{1/3}[/tex]

A) Why doesn't this equation satisfy the hypothesis of the Uniqueness Theroem?
B) Give a physical interpertation of the fact that solution to this equation with the initial condition v(0) = 0 are not unique. Does this model say anything about the way raindrops begin to form?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



A) The equation doesn't satisfy the hypothesis Uniqueness Theroem because when v = 0, the equation's derivative does not exist.

B) At time t = 0, the raindrop does not have volume, but as t increases, it's volume increases as well.

Am I correct for both parts
 
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  • #2
cse63146 said:

Homework Statement



The differential equation that models the volume of a raindrop is [tex]\frac{dy}{dt} = kv^{2/3}[/tex] where [tex]k = 3^{2/3}(4 \pi)^{1/3}[/tex]
Do you mean "dv/dt", rather than "dy/dt"?

A) Why doesn't this equation satisfy the hypothesis of the Uniqueness Theroem?
B) Give a physical interpertation of the fact that solution to this equation with the initial condition v(0) = 0 are not unique. Does this model say anything about the way raindrops begin to form?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



A) The equation doesn't satisfy the hypothesis Uniqueness Theroem because when v = 0, the equation's derivative does not exist.
Strictly speaking an "equation" doesn't have a derivative. What you mean is that the function [itex]kv^{2/3}[/itex] has no derivative at v= 0. That is true and is a reason why the uniqueness theorem does not hold.

B) At time t = 0, the raindrop does not have volume, but as t increases, it's volume increases as well.
How do you conclude that "its volume increases"? Certainly v(t)= 0 for all t satisfies [itex]dv/dt= kv^{2/3}[/itex] as well as v(0)= 0.

Am I correct for both parts
 
  • #3
so to prove that the volume does increase, I would need to find it's general solution?
 

What is the uniqueness theorem for differential equations?

The uniqueness theorem for differential equations states that a solution to a given initial value problem is unique if the function and its derivative are both continuous on the interval of interest.

Why is the uniqueness theorem important?

The uniqueness theorem is important because it ensures that there is only one possible solution to a given differential equation, eliminating any confusion or ambiguity.

What happens if a differential equation does not satisfy the uniqueness theorem?

If a differential equation does not satisfy the uniqueness theorem, it means that there may be more than one solution to the equation. This can lead to inconsistencies and make it difficult to determine the correct solution.

How do you prove the uniqueness theorem for a differential equation?

To prove the uniqueness theorem, one must use mathematical techniques such as the method of successive approximations or the Picard-Lindelöf theorem to show that there is only one possible solution to the initial value problem.

Can the uniqueness theorem be applied to all types of differential equations?

No, the uniqueness theorem can only be applied to certain types of differential equations, specifically those that are first-order, linear, and autonomous. It is not applicable to higher-order differential equations or those with non-continuous functions or discontinuous initial conditions.

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