Distance traveled of a ball dropped in water.

AI Thread Summary
A steel ball dropped in the ocean takes 64 minutes to reach the bottom, with its acceleration defined as a=0.9g-cv, where g is 9.82 m/s² and c is 3.02 s⁻¹. The challenge lies in deriving a velocity expression over time due to the acceleration's dependence on velocity. Participants discuss integrating the acceleration equation and the difficulties encountered with the -cv term. Suggestions include using separation of variables to solve the differential equation. The conversation reflects frustration with the mathematical process but emphasizes the importance of correctly handling the integration.
Smusko
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Homework Statement



A steel ball is released at the surface of the ocean and it takes 64 minutes for it to hit the bottom. The balls downward acceleration is a=0.9g-cv where g=9.82 m/s2 and c = 3.02s-1 and v is the speed. What is the depth of the ocean where the ball was released?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



The ball will reach a top speed when v=(0.9g)/c

I am having trouble finding an expression for v with respect to time while the ball is accelerating since a depends on v.
When I am integrating a I don't know what to do with the -cv term to get an expression that depends on time
 
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Hi Smusko! :smile:
Smusko said:
The balls downward acceleration is a=0.9g-cv

I am having trouble finding an expression for v with respect to time while the ball is accelerating since a depends on v.

dv/dt = 0.9g - cv …

where's the difficulty? :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Smusko! :smile:dv/dt = 0.9g - cv …

where's the difficulty? :wink:

When you integrate that, what happes with v? v=0.9gt - cs? since ds/dt = v. It feels so wrong.
Or do you treat v as a constant and v=0.9gt - cst? That also feels wrong.
 
Smusko said:
When you integrate that, what happes with v? v=0.9gt - cs? since ds/dt = v. It feels so wrong.
Or do you treat v as a constant and v=0.9gt - cst? That also feels wrong.

uh?? :confused:

separation of variables

dv/(0.9g - cv) = dt​
 
tiny-tim said:
uh?? :confused:

separation of variables

dv/(0.9g - cv) = dt​

I am sooooo stupid it's almost depressing.
Thank you.
 
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