More Help yet again with Solving differential equations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving the differential equation representing air resistance proportional to the speed squared, specifically the equation dv/dt - (k/m)v^2 = g. The solution involves separating variables and performing indefinite integration, leading to the expression v = √(mg/k) tan(√(kg/m)(t+C)). Participants emphasize the importance of recognizing the separable nature of the equation and integrating to find velocity as a function of time. The final solution requires further integration to relate velocity to distance over time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of first-order separable differential equations
  • Knowledge of indefinite integration techniques
  • Familiarity with the arctangent function and its properties
  • Basic concepts of air resistance modeling in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of separation of variables in differential equations
  • Learn about indefinite integration and its applications in physics
  • Explore the relationship between velocity and distance through integration
  • Investigate air resistance models and their mathematical representations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, mathematics, and engineering who are working on modeling motion with air resistance, particularly those interested in solving differential equations related to dynamic systems.

$id
Messages
46
Reaction score
0
Hi i posted last time about solving an equation regarding air resistance being proportional to the speed

This time i need it to be proportional to the speed squared

I have managed to get an equation but haven't managed to solve it yet

dv/dt -(k/m)v^2 = g


Any ideas on how to solve this. I have tried all the methods i know, I think i need to substitute in. I will need more than just a hint here guys

Thanks a lot

sid
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The equation is seperable (you can separate v and t). Any first order seperable equation can be reduced to a problem of indefinite integration:

\int \frac{dv}{g - \frac{k}{m} v^2} = t + Const.
 
v^\prime = g + \frac{k}{m}v^2 \Longrightarrow \frac{v^\prime}{\frac{k}{m}v^2 + g} = 1

\Longrightarrow \int \frac{dv}{\frac{k}{m}v^2 + g} = \frac{m}{k} \int \frac{dv}{v^2 + \frac{gm}{k}} = \sqrt{\frac{m}{kg}} \arctan \left(v \sqrt{\frac{k}{mg} \right) = t + C

\Longrightarrow \arctan \left(v \sqrt{\frac{k}{mg}} \right) = \sqrt{\frac{kg}{m}}(t+C) \Longrightarrow v \sqrt{\frac{k}{mg}} = \tan \left( \sqrt{\frac{kg}{m}}(t+C)\right)

\Longrightarrow v = \sqrt{\frac{mg}{k}} \tan \left( \sqrt{\frac{kg}{m}}(t+C)\right)
 
$id said:
Hi i posted last time about solving an equation regarding air resistance being proportional to the speed

This time i need it to be proportional to the speed squared

I have managed to get an equation but haven't managed to solve it yet

dv/dt -(k/m)v^2 = g


Any ideas on how to solve this. I have tried all the methods i know, I think i need to substitute in. I will need more than just a hint here guys

Thanks a lot

sid


A bit weird not to include among "all the methods" the separation of variables,which is the simplest possible. :rolleyes:

Anyway,i hope you understood the solution Data gave you.

Daniel.
 
Hmm i can follow Data logic despite never have seen anything like that before,

I guess now the main problem is that equation gives me the velocity. for the model i am making the data readings are distances at a given time. Hence I will most probably to integrate that beast.

All i know is that integral of tanx = - ln(cos x) + c or - ln (sec^2 x) or something like that

sid
 
\int \tan x \ dx=-\ln|\cos x|+C it can be proven using the definition of tangent & the substitution \cos x=u.

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K