Question about the general solution to Hooke's law

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter dainceptionman_02
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Differential Law
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the general solution to Hooke's law, specifically the second-order differential equation mx'' = -kx. The established general solution is Acos(ωt) + Bsin(ωt). A participant questions the validity of separating the equation to derive an alternative solution, m∫x''/x = -∫kt'', which is deemed incorrect. The consensus is that this approach does not satisfy the original differential equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of second-order differential equations
  • Familiarity with Hooke's law and its mathematical representation
  • Knowledge of integration techniques in calculus
  • Basic concepts of oscillatory motion and harmonic functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the general solution for second-order linear differential equations
  • Learn about the applications of Hooke's law in physics and engineering
  • Explore advanced integration techniques relevant to differential equations
  • Investigate the implications of boundary conditions on the solutions of differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics and mathematics, particularly those studying differential equations, as well as educators and professionals involved in mechanical engineering and dynamics.

dainceptionman_02
Messages
23
Reaction score
6
ok, so usually one of the first equations in Diff Eq is F = -kx, which is the second order differential equation mx'' = -kx, where they give you the only general solution in the universe as Acoswt + Bsinwt. I was wondering, why can't you just separate the equation and get m∫x''/x = -∫kt'' which should be m(xlnx - x) = -kt^2/2 + C ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
dainceptionman_02 said:
ok, so usually one of the first equations in Diff Eq is F = -kx, which is the second order differential equation mx'' = -kx, where they give you the only general solution in the universe as Acoswt + Bsinwt. I was wondering, why can't you just separate the equation and get m∫x''/x = -∫kt'' which should be m(xlnx - x) = -kt^2/2 + C ?
That does not solve the differential equation: ##\displaystyle \quad m \ddot{x} = -kx \ \ .##

What do you even mean by m∫x''/x = -∫kt'' ?

Your solution seems to have interpreted this as

##\displaystyle \quad \quad m \int \left( \int \frac 1 x dx \right) dx = -k \int \left( \int dt \right) dt \ \ ,##

which is so very wrong.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Gavran
If you plug your solution back into the original equation, it doesn't satisfy it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dainceptionman_02
SammyS said:
That does not solve the differential equation: ##\displaystyle \quad m \ddot{x} = -kx \ \ .##

What do you even mean by m∫x''/x = -∫kt'' ?

Your solution seems to have interpreted this as ##\displaystyle
m \int \left( \int \frac 1 x dx \right) dx = -k \int \left( \int dt \right) dt \ \ ,## which is so very wrong.
I'm getting dizzy... o0)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: SammyS

Similar threads

  • · Replies 52 ·
2
Replies
52
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K