Problem with Friction dependent on velocity, mostly a math problem.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a block experiencing friction that depends on its velocity. The original poster is tasked with finding the velocity function v(t) given an initial velocity and a frictional force expressed mathematically.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to integrate the acceleration to find the velocity function but expresses difficulty in the mathematical process. They seek guidance on the initial steps of integration.
  • Some participants suggest separating variables as a method to approach the integration, while others confirm the original poster's understanding of the relationship between acceleration and velocity.
  • There are questions about the correctness of the derived expressions and the integration process itself.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the separation of variables and integration, and the original poster has presented a potential solution for review.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions challenges with mathematical notation and language barriers, which may affect their understanding of the problem. There is also a reference to a numerical solution being attempted alongside the analytical approach.

Simen
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Hello, first time here for me, I hope I posted in the right subforum.
I have a task at hand, just started a new physics course, but sadly I am far from deft with mathematics, and my physics book is in a different language and uses different notation than I am used to. The part I am having trouble with is the following:

Homework Statement




We have a block, with the starting velocity 5m/s.
The friction from the block is given as a = -μ|v|g
Where μ = 0.1 and g = 9.8 m/s^2

Find v(t)


Homework Equations


v(t) = v(0)+at

a = dv/dt = (d/dt)(dx/dt) =(d2x)/dt2


The Attempt at a Solution



As it stands now, I I realize I should integrate a in order to obtain v(t), but I am horrible at math, and do not know where to start, for some reason I keep ending up with an expression without v at all, but that does not help things either. If someone could show me the first steps in this that would be great. I've written a python program to solve it numerically as well, though I can not check if it is working, because I am too inept to get my analytical solution.

Would something like this be a step in the right direction?
a = -0.98|v|
v(0) = 5 m/s
a(0) = 0

dv/dt = -0.98*v

dv/dt2 = -0.98*v*dt

(dv/dt2)1/v = -0.98dt

And then integrate from here? Could someone show me an example? Doesn't need to have any of my numbers, so long as I can learn some of what I need from it.

If anyone could provide any help, that would be greatly appreciated!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hello Simen! Welcome to PF! :wink:
Simen said:
dv/dt = -0.98*v

(you left out a µ)

Now you "separate the variables" …

dv/v = -0.98µdt …

carry on from there :smile:
 
Thanks for the welcome:)

I actually didn't forget the μ, since μ = 0.1 and it was to be multiplied with g = 9.8 I just multiplied them before I started integrating.

Anyways, does this look right?
dv/dt = -0.98v

dv/v = -0.98dt

Integrate:

ln(v)-ln(v0)=-0.98(t-t0)

Clean up a little:
v/v0=e-0.98(t-t0)

v = v0e-0.98(t-t0)

Then putting in t0 = 0 and v0 = 5 and getting
v(t) = 5e-0.98t

Does that look about right?
 
Simen said:
v = v0e-0.98(t-t0)

Then putting in t0 = 0 and v0 = 5 and getting
v(t) = 5e-0.98t

(nice formatting, btw! :biggrin:)

Excellent! :smile:

(btw, always best to check by mentally putting the solution back into the original differential equation. to see if it comes out right … which it does! :wink:)
 
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