How does variable mass affect Newton's Second Law?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of Newton's Second Law to a problem involving variable mass and velocity. It clarifies that when both mass and velocity are variable, the correct formulation requires partial differentiation rather than ordinary differentiation. The initial confusion stemmed from the assumption made in the calculations, leading to a disagreement on the correct answer, which was identified as option C instead of option B. Participants emphasized the importance of correctly applying the product rule in differentiation for such scenarios. The issue was ultimately resolved, confirming that option C is indeed correct.
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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