# Laws of motion problem

1. Sep 17, 2013

### coldblood

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.

2. Sep 18, 2013

### Basic_Physics

$\vec{v}$ 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 $\lambda$t.

3. Sep 18, 2013

### coldblood

So why not Option (B) is correct?

4. Sep 18, 2013

### Basic_Physics

In your last step where you assume that both m and v are variable you should actually use partial differentiation, not ordinary differentiation.

5. Sep 18, 2013

### arildno

6. Sep 18, 2013

### Basic_Physics

In applying the product rule the first mass will also be m not mo as in answer B.

7. Sep 18, 2013

### lendav_rott

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 :/

8. Sep 18, 2013

### coldblood

Thank you all friends. The problem has been cleared. A apologize for the bad fonts.