Find the equation for velocity as a function of time

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the equation for velocity as a function of time for a rock sliding on a horizontal surface under a retarding force proportional to the square root of its velocity. The force equation F = -k * v^(0.5) leads to the acceleration equation a = dv/dt = -k/m * v^(0.5). By integrating this relationship, the solution involves manipulating the equation to find the constant of integration based on initial conditions. The final derived equation for velocity is v = vi - ((vi)^0.5 * k * t)/m + (k^2 * t^2)/(4m^2). Understanding the integration process is crucial for arriving at this solution.
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Homework Statement



A rock with mass "m" slides with initial velocity on a horizontal surface. A retarding force F that the surface exerts on the rock is proportional to the square root of the instantaneous velocity of the rock: F = -k * v^(0.5)

Find the equation for velocity as a function of time.

Homework Equations



F = ma
a = dv/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm using online software and used up all my attempts at the answer, so it gave it to me:
vi = initial velocity
v = vi - ((vi)^0.5 * k * t)/m + (k^2 * t^2)/(4m^2)

And I have no idea how to get this. I'm thinking this is because I don't know much about integration. I'm hoping somebody could help me out in explaining this to me, even just a brief outline of the steps to the final answer would be great.

Any help is really appreciated, thanks
 
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F = -kv^{1/2}

a = \frac{dv}{dt} = -\frac{k}{m}v^{1/2}

\frac{dv}{v^{1/2}} = -\frac{k}{m}dt

Taking integration you get

2v^{1/2} = -\frac{k}{m}t + C

When t = 0, C = 2v_o^{1/2}

2v^{1/2} = -\frac{k}{m}t + 2v_o^{1/2}

Square both the sides and simplify.
 
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