Really understanding how to apply calculus.

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the application of calculus in the context of Newton's Second Law, specifically the formulation of equations related to force, mass, and acceleration. The user explores both constant and variable mass scenarios, presenting equations such as F=ma and its derivatives. Key expressions include the rates of change of velocity, force, and position, with particular attention to the need for integration constants and variable notation for clarity. The discussion highlights the importance of precise notation in calculus applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of derivatives and integrals
  • Basic calculus notation and terminology
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  • Study the implications of variable mass in dynamics
  • Explore advanced topics in differential equations
  • Learn about integration constants in physical applications
  • Investigate alternative notations for clarity in calculus
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Students of physics and mathematics, educators teaching calculus, and anyone interested in applying calculus to real-world problems in mechanics.

IronPlate
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Aside from learning all the tools to solving differential equations and taking derivatives, I've been trying to practice actually applying this knowledge to the creation of my own equations to find out certain things. Where I'm uncertain is, have I achieved the actual expression?

Let's start with the simple, Newton's Second Law
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Assume mass is constant with time.
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(1) [itex]F=ma[/itex]
(2) [itex]F=m\frac{dv}{dt}[/itex] ; F(t,v)
(3) [itex]F=m\frac{d^{2}u}{dt^{2}}[/itex] ; F(t,u,[itex]\frac{du}{dt}[/itex])

Rate at which v changes with time (acceleration)
(4) [itex]\frac{dv}{dt}=\frac{F}{m}[/itex]

Rate at which F changes with time
(5) [itex]\frac{dF}{dt}=m\frac{d^{3}u}{dt^{3}}[/itex]

Rate at which u changes with time
(6) [itex]\frac{du}{dt}=\frac{1}{m}∫Fdt[/itex]

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Assume m(t), no longer constant.
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Rate at which v changes with time
(7) Same as (4)

Rate at which F changes with time
(8) [itex]\frac{dF}{dt}=m\frac{d^{3}u}{dt^{3}}+\frac{d^{2}u}{dt^{2}}\frac{dm}{dt}[/itex]

Rate at which u changes with time
(9)Absolutely no clue, still working on it.


I'll leave it there.Is there anything wrong with my notation? Does each expression capture the descriptions?
 
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(6) needs an additional integration constant, which corresponds to the initial velocity.

"u" for a position can be a bit confusing. In (6), I would use a different variable in the integral (like t'). Apart from that, it looks fine.

Hint for (9):
##\frac{du}{dt}=c+\int_0^{t} \frac{dv}{dt} dt'##
 

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