Finding position and velocity from Force (analytic mechanics)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the velocity and position of a mass "m" repelled from the origin by a force defined as F(x) = k/x³. The user successfully derived the velocity function v(x) = √(k/m)(x₀⁻² - x⁻²) but encountered discrepancies when attempting to integrate v(x) with respect to time to find x(t). The correct approach involves integrating dx/v(x) = dt to derive the time-dependent position function x(t) = √(kt²/mx₀²) + x₀², confirming that the initial expression for v(x) is valid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of force functions in physics, particularly inverse power laws
  • Basic concepts of kinematics and motion equations
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  • Study integration techniques for functions involving velocity and time
  • Learn about force functions and their applications in analytic mechanics
  • Explore the derivation of motion equations from force laws
  • Investigate the relationship between potential energy and force in physics
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Students of physics, particularly those studying mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of motion under force.

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Homework Statement


A body of mass "m" is repelled from the origin by a force F(x). The body is at rest at x_0, a distance from the origin, at t=0. Find v(x) and x(t).


Homework Equations


F(x)=\frac{k}{x^3}
\ddot{x}=\frac{d\dot{x}}{dt}=\frac{dx}{dt}\frac{d\dot{x}}{dx}=v\frac{dv}{dx}


The Attempt at a Solution



I first perform the following steps:

F=ma=m\ddot{x}=\frac{k}{x^3}
\int{v{dv}}=\int_{x_0}^{x}\frac{k}{mx^3}dx
\frac{v^2}{2}=\frac{-k}{2mx^2}+\frac{k}{2m{x_0}^2}
v(x)=\sqrt{\frac{k}{m}(x_{0}^{-2}-x^{-2})}

The next step is to integrate v(x) WRT time. Doing this will solve for the position. My homework states that x(t) should be:

x(t)=\sqrt{\frac{kt^2}{mx_{0}^{2}}+x_{0}^{2}}

If I integrate v(x) WRT time, I will get a different answer for position than the equation above. Is my expression for v(x) incorrect?
 
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You should integrate v(t) over time and not v(x).
As you don't have v(t) you can instead write
dx/dt=v(x) , separate the variables and integrate both sides.
I mean, integrate
dx/v(x)= dt

You'll get t = some function of x. Then solve for x and you'll get x(t).
 

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