Force dependent on velocity of particle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the motion of a particle of mass m subjected to a resistive force of magnitude -mk(v^2 + av), where k and a are positive constants. The equation of motion is derived as -k(v^2 + av) = m(dv/dt), leading to the integration of dt and dv to find the relationship between time and velocity. The solution reveals that as time approaches infinity, the particle's velocity approaches zero, confirming that the particle eventually comes to rest. A key point of confusion arises regarding the limits of integration when setting initial conditions for velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Familiarity with integration techniques in calculus
  • Knowledge of differential equations
  • Experience with Mathematica for computational solutions
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  • Study the derivation of solutions for differential equations with resistive forces
  • Learn about the use of limits in integration, particularly in physics applications
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Homework Statement



A particle of mass m moves through a medium that resists its motions with a force of magnitude

[tex]-mk(v^2+av)[/tex]

where k and a are positive constants. If no other force acts, and the particle has an initial velocity v0, find the distance traveled after a time t.

Show that the particle comes to rest as [tex]t \to \infty[/tex]

Homework Equations



[tex]F=m\frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



EOM: [tex]-k(v^2 + av) = \frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

[tex]dt=\frac{dv}{-k(v^2+av)}[/tex]

[tex]\int \!dt=-\frac{1}{k} \int \! \frac{dv}{(v^2+av)}[/tex]...Integrate in Mathematica...

[tex]t-t_0 = \frac{Ln(a+v)-Ln(v)}{ak}[/tex]

[tex]Exp(atk)=\frac{a+v}{v}[/tex]

[tex]v(Exp(atk)-1)=a[/tex]

[tex]v(t)=\frac{a}{Exp(atk)-1}[/tex]

Set v = v0 at time t=0...

[tex]v(0) = v_0 = \frac{a}{Exp(0)-1} = \frac{a}{0}[/tex]

But this is not defined!

Did I make a mistake? How do I set v = v0 if I get infinity?

Thank you for your time and help.
 
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The problem is with your limits of integration. The left side (time) goes from 0 to t. That's fine. The right side must go from v0 (which is the velocity that matches time t = 0) to v (which is the velocity that matches time t).
 

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