How Do I Solve This Spring Differentiation Problem in Physics?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a differentiation problem related to the motion of a mini-van experiencing resistance proportional to the square of its velocity. Participants are examining the setup of a differential equation and the integration process involved in solving it.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the formulation of the differential equation connecting velocity and time, questioning the correctness of previous attempts and the integration steps taken. There is a focus on clarifying the integration of specific functions and verifying the results through differentiation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and pointed out potential errors in the original poster's approach, particularly regarding the integration of the resistance term. There is an ongoing exploration of the problem with various interpretations and suggestions for checking the work done.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's use of the template may not align with forum expectations, and there are references to the need for clearer presentation of questions to facilitate assistance. The discussion includes a mix of assumptions about the integration process and the nature of the differential equation.

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Homework Statement


Differentiation question on physics spring

https://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140819111550AAvmAjH


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The Attempt at a Solution



https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#AEGY8gBYGdYO6S;2B1E78BF-9378-47B0-B87C-BD50541B4EE7

Why I can't get the answer given: am I wrong or the answer given wrong

Can anyoneelse work it out and see the answer
 
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To put it bluntly: you are wrong.

Don't really appreciate your way of using the template, but never mind. I hope I don't get thrown out of PF for helping anyway. The hint is: integrating ##dx\over x^2+7^2## does not yield a ln. (Check by differentiating !)
 
For the sake of anyone else checking in: the problem statement is:
C1. a mini-van of mass 1200kg is traveling along a level road. The resistance to the motion is (v^2+49)N where v (m/s) is the instantaneous velocity at any time t (s). When the velocity of the mini-van reaches 16m/s, the engine is shut off.

(a) write the DE of motion connecting v and t
(b) find the time taken for the velocity to reduce from 16m/s to 12m/s
(c) ...

You are asking about C1.b.
How do I solve this differential question,I can do c1 part [a] but how to do b)? Why am my previous working wrong? please help?

You have written $$1200\frac{dv}{dt} = -(v^2+49) \\ \implies t=-\int \frac{1200}{v^2+49}\;dv$$ ... you actually wrote t+c=... but the arbitrary constant gets absorbed into the integral on the RHS.

You show no working for the integration - as BvU suggests, this is where you need to look closer.
You appear to have got: $$\int\frac{dv}{v^2+49}=\ln(-v+7)+\ln(v+7)$$... which would be incorrect.
It is unclear how you did that.

As a matter of routine, you should check your solution to DEs by substituting them back.
Do try to write out your questions in PF, it makes it easier to help you.
 
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-(v^2- 49) factors as (-v+ 7)(v+ 7) but -(v^2+ 49) does not.
 
Maybe OP read ##-(v^2+49)## as ##-v^2+49## ?
 
Is eggcracker still in the picture ? What of the integral of ##1\over x^2+a^2## ?
 
'S only been a day ... @eggcracker: any of this helpful so far?
More assistance with feedback.
 

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