Differentiate formula for amount of charge on capacitor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around differentiating the formula for the amount of charge on a capacitor, specifically the equation Q=5.7ln(4.5t), with respect to time (t). Participants are exploring the application of calculus to determine the rate of discharge at specific time intervals (t=5ms and t=7.5ms).

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in differentiating the charge formula and expresses difficulty with calculus concepts, particularly the chain rule.
  • Another participant questions the original poster's understanding of basic calculus, specifically the derivative of the natural logarithm and the chain rule.
  • A further reply provides an explanation of the chain rule and the derivative of the natural logarithm, aiming to guide the original poster in applying these concepts to their problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the original poster's understanding of calculus, and the discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the necessary mathematical concepts.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of recent experience with calculus, which may affect their ability to apply the concepts discussed. The conversation includes assumptions about the participants' prior knowledge of calculus.

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Hi

Ive got some calculations to do on amount of charge on a capacitor with respect to t.

Formula for amount of charge on a capacitor is Q=5.7ln4.5t

I need to determine the rate of discharge with different values of t, t=5ms t=7.5ms

I know i need to differentiate the formula against time as it will give me the rate of charge.

Ive completely forgotten how to apply calculus and would sincerely appreciate any help and advice!

thank you
 
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Do you know what ##\frac{d}{dx}\ln (x)## is? How much of calculus have you forgotten? Do you know the chain rule?
 
Matterwave said:
Do you know what ##\frac{d}{dx}\ln (x)## is? How much of calculus have you forgotten? Do you know the chain rule?

Hi

the last time i did calculus was approx 1 1/2 years ago I've literally have no clue what the chain rule or the relationship you've stated means! :(
 
Hmm, that might make this kind of difficult!

Well, the chain rule says, given functions f(x) and g(y) if I have a composite function g(f(x)) then the derivative with respect to x is:

$$\frac{d}{dx}g(f(x))=\frac{dg}{df}\frac{df}{dx}$$

As an example, if I have, say ##\sin(5x)## and I want to take the derivative with respect to x, I know that ##\frac{d}{dx}\sin(x)=\cos(x)## and so if I take g(y)=sin(y) and f(x)=5x, then by the chain rule I can find:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\sin(5x)=\frac{d}{dx}\sin(f)=\cos(f)\frac{df}{dx}=5\cos(5x)$$

Also, note that the ln is the natural logarithm defined such that:

$$\int_1^x \frac{1}{y}dy=\ln(x)$$

By the fundamental theorem of calculus, then we know:

$$\frac{d}{dx}\ln(x)=\frac{1}{x}$$

Can you use this information to solve your problem?
 

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