Solving for Velocity of Particle on Inclined Plane

AI Thread Summary
A particle with mass m slides down a smooth inclined plane under the influence of gravity and a resistive force proportional to its velocity. The equation of motion is established as mg sin(theta) - mkv = ma, leading to the need for integration to find the velocity function. The correct approach involves treating the problem as a first-order differential equation: dv/dt + kv = g sin(theta). The integration factor method is suggested to solve this equation accurately. The final velocity expression derived is v = (g sin(theta)/k)(1 - e^(-kt)).
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Homework Statement



A particle with mass m slides down from rest on a smooth plane inclined at an angle of theta with the horizontal . The particle, besides subjected to gravity experiences a resistive force of magnitude mkv ,with v as its velocity at time t and k as a positive constant. Show that

v=\frac{g\sin \theta}{k}(1-e^{-kt})

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i started with mg sin theta-mkv =ma

g sin theta -kv=a

do i integrate to get the velocity function? I tried but it didn't work.
 
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Yes, you do perform integration to get the velocity function. My attempt resulted in success in replicating the given equation, so you must have fumbled somewhere in your integration. Perhaps you would like to show us your steps so we can pinpoint the error?
 
Last edited:
Fightfish said:
Yes, you do perform integration to get the velocity function. My attempt resulted in success in replication the given equation, so you must have fumbled somewhere in your integration. Perhaps you would like to show us your steps so we can pinpoint the error?

thanks Fightfish ,

from a=g sin theta-kv

v=\int g\sin \theta dt-\int kv dt

=tg\sin \theta-kvt+C

when t=0, v=0

v=tg\sin \theta-kvt

and the furthest i can get

v=\frac{tg\sin \theta}{1+kt}
 
thereddevils said:
v=\int g\sin \theta dt-\int kv dt

=tg\sin \theta-kvt+C

The problem lies here. v is also a function of t and not a constant, so the integration of kv wrt t is not merely multiplying it by t. We need to consider the problem as a first-order differential equation:
\frac{dv}{dt} + kv = g sin \theta
Then, solve it using the integrating factor method.
 
Fightfish said:
The problem lies here. v is also a function of t and not a constant, so the integration of kv wrt t is not merely multiplying it by t. We need to consider the problem as a first-order differential equation:
\frac{dv}{dt} + kv = g sin \theta
Then, solve it using the integrating factor method.

thanks !
 
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