- #1
thetasaurus
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Not sure if this topic belongs here, but here goes.
From the AP physics C 1995 test there is a problem that gives the potential energy curve U(x). With [itex]F=-\frac{dU}{dx}[/itex] in one variable,
[itex]F(x)=-\frac{a}{b}+\frac{ba}{x^{2}}[/itex]
Where a and b are constants. Now I need to get x(t)
Dividing by mass and multiplying by x^2:
[itex]x^2\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\frac{ax^2}{mb}+\frac{ba}{m}[/itex]
Unfortunately I do not have the skills to solve this differential equation.
[itex]x=y, \frac{-a}{mb}=b, \frac{ba}{m}=k, y'=u[/itex]
[itex]y^2y''=by^2+k[/itex]
I tried to eliminate the y'':
[itex]y'dt=udt[/itex]
[itex]\int{y'dt}=\int{udt}[/itex]
[itex]y=ut+C[/itex]And that doesn't really get me anywhere. Anyone with knowledge of nonlinear ODEs care to help? I tried Wolfram, but even with my Pro free trial it took to much computing time and never gave me a solution.
Also since this wasn't required of the problem per se, and I just want to solve this, I'm not sure what forum it should be in.
Thanks.
Homework Statement
From the AP physics C 1995 test there is a problem that gives the potential energy curve U(x). With [itex]F=-\frac{dU}{dx}[/itex] in one variable,
[itex]F(x)=-\frac{a}{b}+\frac{ba}{x^{2}}[/itex]
Where a and b are constants. Now I need to get x(t)
Homework Equations
Dividing by mass and multiplying by x^2:
[itex]x^2\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}=-\frac{ax^2}{mb}+\frac{ba}{m}[/itex]
Unfortunately I do not have the skills to solve this differential equation.
The Attempt at a Solution
[itex]x=y, \frac{-a}{mb}=b, \frac{ba}{m}=k, y'=u[/itex]
[itex]y^2y''=by^2+k[/itex]
I tried to eliminate the y'':
[itex]y'dt=udt[/itex]
[itex]\int{y'dt}=\int{udt}[/itex]
[itex]y=ut+C[/itex]And that doesn't really get me anywhere. Anyone with knowledge of nonlinear ODEs care to help? I tried Wolfram, but even with my Pro free trial it took to much computing time and never gave me a solution.
Also since this wasn't required of the problem per se, and I just want to solve this, I'm not sure what forum it should be in.
Thanks.