How to Integrate the Motion Equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of Newton's second law to derive the motion equation of a particle under the influence of a resistive force. Participants explore the mathematical steps involved in solving the differential equation resulting from Newton's second law, particularly in the context of frictional forces acting on a particle.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces the resistive force model and sets up the differential equation: -λv = m(dv/dt).
  • Another participant identifies the equation as a "separable differential equation" and demonstrates the separation of variables to facilitate integration.
  • Steps of integration are presented, leading to the expression v = v₀e^(-λt/m), with a clarification on the constant of integration.
  • A later reply suggests that the integration method can be generalized for vector velocities, proposing two methods for handling the integration in vector form.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the integration steps and requests clarification on the derivation of the exponential form.
  • A subsequent reply indicates that the confusion was resolved, attributing it to understanding the concept of the anti-logarithm.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants engage in a constructive discussion with some expressing confusion about the integration process, while others provide clarifications. No consensus is reached on the integration steps, as some participants seek further explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some participants may have differing levels of familiarity with differential equations and integration techniques, which contributes to the varying degrees of understanding expressed in the discussion.

WARGREYMONKKTL
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integration of Newton equation??

Newton's second law is insufficient to describe the motion of a particle. In addition, it requires a value for F, obtained by considering the particular physical entities with which the particle is interacting. For example, a typical resistive force may be modeled as a function of the velocity of the particle, for example:

[tex]\mathbf{F}_{\rm R} = - \lambda \mathbf{v}[/tex]

with λ a positive constant. Once independent relations for each force acting on a particle are available, they can be substituted into Newton's second law to obtain an ordinary differential equation, which is called the equation of motion. Continuing the example, assume that friction is the only force acting on the particle. Then the equation of motion is

[tex]- \lambda \mathbf{v} = m \mathbf{a} = m {d\mathbf{v} \over dt}.[/tex]

This can be integrated to obtain

[tex]\mathbf{v} = \mathbf{v}_0 e^{- \lambda t / m}[/tex]
can some body show me step by step the intergration there?
thanks!

(Edited by HallsofIvy to correct LaTex.)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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WARGREYMONKKTL said:
Newton's second law is insufficient to describe the motion of a particle. In addition, it requires a value for F, obtained by considering the particular physical entities with which the particle is interacting. For example, a typical resistive force may be modeled as a function of the velocity of the particle, for example:

[tex]\mathbf{F}_{\rm R} = - \lambda \mathbf{v}[/tex]

with λ a positive constant. Once independent relations for each force acting on a particle are available, they can be substituted into Newton's second law to obtain an ordinary differential equation, which is called the equation of motion. Continuing the example, assume that friction is the only force acting on the particle. Then the equation of motion is

[tex]- \lambda \mathbf{v} = m \mathbf{a} = m {d\mathbf{v} \over dt}.[/tex]

This can be integrated to obtain

[tex]\mathbf{v} = \mathbf{v}_0 e^{- \lambda t / m}[/tex]
can some body show me step by step the intergration there?
thanks!

(Edited by HallsofIvy to correct LaTex.)

[tex]-\lambda \mathbf{v}= m \frac{d\mathbf{v}}{dt}[/tex]
is what's called a "separable differential equation". We can "separate" the variables as
[tex]-\frac{\lambda}{m} dt= \frac{dv}{v}[/tex]

Integrating both sides:

[tex]-\frac{\lamba}{m}t= ln v+ C[/tex]
[tex]ln v= -\frac{\lambda}{m}t- C[/tex]

[tex]v= C' e^{-\frac{\lambda}{m}t}[/tex]
(C'= e-C)

At t= 0 we have
[tex]v(0)= v_0= C' e^0= C'[/tex]
so
[tex]v(t)= v_0e^{-\frac{\lambda}{m}t}[/tex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
JUst a minor addition to Halls' general procedure:
It is unproblematic to generalize this if the velocity is a vector, rather than a scalar:
Method 1:
Do component-wise integration. This will always work.

Method 2:
For this particular problem, we have straightline motion, since the acceleration vector is parallell to the velocity vector.
Thus, we can always let one coordinate axis coincide with the direction of the velocity vector, i.e, transform our vector equation into a suitable scalar equation.
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
[tex]-\frac{\lamba}{m}t= ln v+ C[/tex]
[tex]ln v= -\frac{\lambda}{m}t- C[/tex]

[tex]v= C' e^{-\frac{\lambda}{m}t}[/tex]
(C'= e-C)
??
i dont' get it
??
i dont' get it
can you show how you get this?:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
please show me how you get it?
 
never mind i get it
anti-ln
thank for your replies!
 

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