Forming a differential equation for a body whose mass changes

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on forming a differential equation for a body with changing mass, specifically addressing the dynamics of ejected mass. The speed of the ejected mass is defined as "v-u," indicating that it is measured relative to the body from which it is ejected. The mass of the body is represented as "m + (Delta)m," clarifying that the change in mass does not imply an addition but rather a variation at a different time. These insights are crucial for accurately modeling the motion of bodies with variable mass in physics.

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  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of relative velocity concepts
  • Basic principles of mass conservation
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I was having trouble following various aspects of the above explanation:

Why does the ejected mass have a speed "v-u" at the start of the interval?

Why is the oif the body mass (m + (Delta)m) and not (m - (Delta)m).

Thanks
 
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The speed has to be v-u since the mass is being ejected relative to the body it is being ejected from. To an outside observer it would be v+u since the mas and the body are apparently going in the same direction.

"Why is the oif the body mass (m + (Delta)m) and not (m - (Delta)m)."

As the body moves the mass changes [tex]\delta m[/tex] doesn't necessarily means mass is added...simply means a change in mass at another time t
 
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