How does variable mass affect Newton's Second Law?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Newton's Second Law in the context of variable mass systems. Participants are examining how changes in mass and velocity affect the force experienced by an object, referencing a specific problem related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of constant versus variable mass and velocity, questioning the validity of different approaches to the problem. There is a focus on the application of differentiation techniques and the product rule in the context of the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's reasoning. Some participants express confusion regarding the correct answer as stated in the textbook, while others suggest that the original poster's assumptions may need reevaluation. There is no explicit consensus on the correct answer, but multiple interpretations are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of using appropriate differentiation methods, such as partial differentiation, when dealing with variable mass and velocity. There is also mention of formatting issues in the original post that may have affected clarity.

coldblood
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Hi friends, The problem is from Newton's Laws.

The problem is as follows:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1006364_1417581381802301_666606151_n.jpg

IInd law states,
Force, F = dP/dt
=> F = d(mv)/ dt

Out come,

If m is constant, v is variable, F = m.[d(v)/dt] => F = m.a

If v is constant, m is variable, F = v.[d(m)/dt] => F = v.[rate of change of mass]

If both m and v are variable, F = m.[d(v)/dt] + v.[d(m)/dt]

Hence the answer of the question should be Option (B). But the book states that answer is option (C) is correct. How is it so.

Please friends help me in solving this issue.

Thank you all in advance. I would appreciate the help.
 
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\vec{v} is a variable. It is the instantaneous velocity at all times. So \vec{a}=\frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}. \lambda is the constant rate at which sand is leaking out. So the amount of mass that would be lost after a period t would be \lambdat.
 
Basic_Physics said:
\vec{v} is a variable. It is the instantaneous velocity at all times. So \vec{a}=\frac{d\vec{v}}{dt}. \lambda is the constant rate at which sand is leaking out. So the amount of mass that would be lost after a period t would be \lambdat.

So why not Option (B) is correct?
 
In your last step where you assume that both m and v are variable you should actually use partial differentiation, not ordinary differentiation.
 
Rewrite your original post with non-psychotic letters, please.
 
In applying the product rule the first mass will also be m not mo as in answer B.
 
I did that problem over and over and concluded that option C is correct and please, I half had a seizure reading the 1st post :/
 
Thank you all friends. The problem has been cleared. A apologize for the bad fonts.
 

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