Speed & Gravity: Equations of Motion & Energy Explained

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equations of motion in the context of gravitational acceleration, specifically examining the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement under gravity. Participants are analyzing the mathematical formulations and their implications in deriving speed and energy equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the derivation of speed from gravitational equations and question the validity of integrating acceleration directly to obtain displacement. There is a focus on the discrepancies between different methods of integration and the resulting equations for speed and energy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the correctness of integration steps and the assumptions made in the derivations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of quadrature methods and conservation of energy principles, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the integration of acceleration and the treatment of variables during the process. Participants have noted potential mistakes in the original equations and the need for careful handling of integrals.

mlazos
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we know from the equation of motion that

[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=a[/tex]

where a is the acceleration
for the gravity field we have

[tex]a=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]

So we get
[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]

[tex]\frac{(R1^3-R2^3)}{3}\frac{dr}{dt}=GMt[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dr}{dt}=\frac{3GMt}{R1^3-R2^3}[/tex]

[tex]u=\sqrt{\frac{3GMt}{R1^3-R2^3}}[/tex]

If we integrate one time from R1 to R2 shouldn't we get the speed?
Because from the equation og energy we get a different result

[tex]u=\sqrt{2GM}\sqrt{\frac{R1-R2}{R1*R2}}[/tex]

So where am i wrong?
 
Last edited:
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mlazos said:
[tex](R1^3-R2^3)\frac{dr}{dt}=GMt[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dr}{dt}=\frac{GMt}{R1^3-R2^3}[/tex]

QUOTE]

I don't understand how you get the above.
 
I forgot a 3 and i have put it back
From the equation

[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]

[tex]r^2\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=GM[/tex]

[tex]r^2dr\frac{dr}{dt}=GMdt[/tex]

[tex]\int_a^b r^2dr\frac{dr}{dt}=\int_0^t GMdt[/tex]

where a=R1 and b=R2

[tex]\frac{(R1^3-R2^3)}{3}\frac{dr}{dt}=GMt[/tex]

[tex]\frac{dr}{dt}=\frac{3GMt}{R1^3-R2^3}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
mlazos said:
I forgot a 3 and i have put it back
From the equation

[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]

[tex]r^2\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}=GM[/tex]

[tex]r^2dr\frac{d^2r}{d^t}=GMdt[/tex]
You just arbitrarily stick a dr and dt in? Where did they come from?

[tex]\int_a^b r^2dr\frac{d2r}{dt2}=\int_0^t GMdt[/tex]

where a=R1 and b=R2

[tex]\frac{(R1^3-R2^3)}{3}\frac{dr}{dt}=GMt[/tex]
?? The integral of a product is not just the product of the integrals.
[tex]\int_{R_1}^{R_2} r^2 dr= \frac{R_2^3- R_1^3}{3}[/tex]
and
[tex]\int \frac{d^2r}{dt^2} dt= \frac{dr}{dt}[/tex]
but that is NOT what you have.

[tex]\frac{dr}{dt}=\frac{3GMt}{R1^3-R2^3}[/tex]

You might want to try "quadrature":
[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}= -\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]
Let [itex]v= \frac{dr}{dt}[/itex]. Then
[tex]\frac{d^2r}{dt^2}= \frac{dv}{dt}= \frac{dv}{dr}\frac{dr}{dt}= v\frac{dv}{dr}= -\frac{GM}{r^2}[/tex]
[tex]v dv= -\frac{GM}{r^2}dr[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{2}v^2= \frac{GM}{r}+ C[/tex]
[tex]\frac{1}{2}v^2-\frac{GM}{r}= c[/tex]
Which is "conservation of energy": [itex]\frac{1}{2}v^2[/itex] is kinetic energy and [itex]-\frac{GM}{r}[/itex] is potential energy.
 
Ok bu why with a direct double integral we don't get the same?
why we have to go to the speed and then to find a displacement as a function of R?
Why is wrong?

The dr/dt was a mistake which i corrected
the question is real and is not a trap
 
Last edited:
mlazos said:
Ok bu why with a direct double integral we don't get the same?
why we have to go to the speed and then to find a displacement as a function of R?
Why is wrong?

The dr/dt was a mistake which i corrected
the question is real and is not a trap

There is no "direct" double integral. You can always write position as

[tex] \vec{r} = \int\int \ddot{r}(t)dt dt[/tex]

(with suitable limits)

but the two dt's have to be dealt with carefully. I don't see how you can get to the position from the acceleration directly. But if you want to get to velocity then note that [itex]vdv = a ds[/itex].
 
It seems as thoughy you treated you assumed

[tex]\int \frac{d^2r}{dt^2} = \frac{dr}{dt} \int \frac{dr}{dt}[/tex]

which isn't true. The quadrature method suggested above will give a correct general solution, although it's hideous. r(t) = A*(to - t)^2/3 is a solution as well, although it won't fit arbitrary conditions. The general solution requires integrating

[tex]\frac{1}{2}v^2-\frac{GM}{r}= c[/tex]

which, when done by MATLAB gives a horrendous trascendental equation I couldn't begin to invert for r(t). Good luck with that.
 
BoTemp said:
which, when done by MATLAB gives a horrendous trascendental equation I couldn't begin to invert for r(t). Good luck with that.

Haha yeah :biggrin:

I'm no expert but isn't there any perturbation method available for a solution (just a wild guess...lets see how wild it is).
 

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