Help finishing a linear differential equation. Mechanics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a linear differential equation related to an object's motion under the influence of acceleration defined by d²x/dt² = ge^(-kt). The key conclusions include that for small time t, the distance x can be approximated as x = (gt²)/2, and for large time t, the object's speed approaches a constant known as terminal speed. The solution involves using Taylor expansion for small t and definite integrals for large t, emphasizing that k is a given parameter and does not need to be solved for.

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Homework Statement


Find the distance which an object moves in time t if it starts from rest and has an acceleration d^2x/dt^2 = ge^-kt.
Show that for small t the result is approx "x=(gt^2)/2" and show that for very large t, the speed is approximately constant. the constant is called the terminal speed.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I ended up with v = -(ge^-kt)/k + v_0 and x = (ge^-kt)/k^2 + v_0t + x_0 however I am not sure what to do next. I have tried to solve for k and also set t as zero to get x = g/k^2 but it doesn't seem to be the answer the book is looking for.

Thanks
 
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For small t, look at the Taylor expansion for the exponential.
For large t, take the difference between ##\int_0^{T+\Delta} ge^{-kt}\, dt-\int_0^T ge^{-kt}\, dt ## for large T, or instead of ##T+\Delta,## use ##\infty##.
 
##k## is a given parameter. You don't want to solve for it.

You might find it helpful to use definite integrals, e.g.,
$$\int_{v_0}^v \,dv = \int_0^t ge^{-kt}\,dt.$$ The problem statement says the object starts from rest, so use that bit of information too.
 

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