Integrating velocity equation problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the integration of a velocity equation related to motion under gravity and drag, specifically focusing on the mathematical steps involved in solving the differential equation for velocity. Participants explore integration techniques and the implications of initial conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an attempt at integrating the equation for velocity, raising a question about taking the natural logarithm of a negative value.
  • Another participant suggests that they resolved their question shortly after posting, providing a revised equation without addressing the initial concern about the logarithm.
  • Several participants discuss the general form of the integral of 1/x, confirming it as the natural logarithm.
  • A participant points out the necessity of considering the condition that -g - βvy > 0 and mentions the importance of the integration constant, which is linked to initial conditions.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption made regarding the initial condition and the integration constant, suggesting that it may not have been properly accounted for in the earlier steps.
  • There is a discussion about the limits of integration and the initial velocity condition, with one participant clarifying their approach to the limits.
  • One participant highlights the need to include a constant term in the integration process, specifically mentioning ln(g) as part of the solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the treatment of initial conditions and the integration constant, indicating that there is no consensus on how these aspects should be handled in the solution process.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved mathematical steps regarding the integration process, particularly concerning the treatment of the logarithm and the integration constant. The discussion reflects varying assumptions about initial conditions and their implications for the solution.

Sho Kano
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upload_2016-4-9_23-55-27.png

I've already completed the first question, but with number two, it's a different case. Here's my attempt:
\frac { d{ v }_{ y } }{ dt } \quad =\quad -g\quad -\quad \beta { v }_{ y }\\ \frac { d{ v }_{ y } }{ -g\quad -\quad \beta { v }_{ y } } \quad =\quad dt\\ \int { \frac { d{ v }_{ y } }{ -g\quad -\quad \beta { v }_{ y } } } \quad =\quad \int { dt } \\ \frac { -1 }{ \beta } ln(-g-\beta { v }_{ y })\quad =\quad t\\
natural log of a negative?
 
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EDIT: I seem to have figured out the answer right after posting this?
\frac { -1 }{ \beta } ln(-g-\beta { v }_{ y })\quad =\quad t\\ ln(-g-\beta { v }_{ y })\quad =\quad -t\beta \\ -g-\beta { v }_{ y }\quad =\quad { e }^{ -t\beta }
 
In general ##\int \frac{1}{x} dx= \log{|x|}+c##
 
Ssnow said:
In general ##\int \frac{1}{x} dx= \log{|x|}+c##
log base e right?
 
yes, ##\int \frac{1}{x}=\ln{|x|}+c##
 
Sho Kano said:
##−g−βvy=e−tβ\frac { -1 }{ \beta } ln(-g-\beta { v }_{ y })\quad =\quad t\\ ln(-g-\beta { v }_{ y })\quad =\quad -t\beta \\ -g-\beta { v }_{ y }\quad =\quad { e }^{ -t\beta }##

if ##-g-\beta v_{y}>0## this is part of your solution, you must use the condition that ##v_{y0}=0##, but attention that you forgot the integration constant in your solution ...
 
Ssnow said:
if ##-g-\beta v_{y}>0## this is part of your solution, you must use the condition that ##v_{y0}=0##, but attention that you forgot the integration constant in your solution ...
The integration constant is just the initial condition, which is 0
 
mmm, I don't think, assuming ##-g-\beta v_{y}>0## put the condition ##v_{y}=0## with ##t=0## in

##\ln{(-g-\beta v_{y})}=-t\beta +c ##
 
You can see the value of ##c## also from ##\ln{|-g-\beta v_{y}|}=-t\beta + c##...
 
  • #10
Ssnow, not sure I follow you. From post #1, 3rd line of my attempt, the limits of integration are:

left side: 0 to v
(its 0 since initial velocity is given to be 0)
right side: 0 to t
 
  • #11
You forget the constant ##\ln{g}##:

##\int_{0}^{v_{y}}\frac{w}{-g-\beta w}=-\frac{1}{\beta}\ln{|-g-\beta v_{y}|}+\frac{1}{\beta}\ln{g}##
 
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  • #12
Ssnow said:
You forget the constant ##\ln{g}##:

##\int_{0}^{v_{y}}\frac{w}{-g-\beta w}=-\frac{1}{\beta}\ln{|-g-\beta v_{y}|}+\frac{1}{\beta}\ln{g}##
I see now, thanks!
 

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