U-substitution for finding v(t)

  • Thread starter sadakaa
  • Start date
In summary, to find the velocity of a 0.25kg ball dropped from rest with air resistance, we use the equations F=ma and F=mg-.05v and integrate using the u-substitution method. The terminal velocity of the ball is 49.05 m/s and it reaches 50% of its terminal velocity at approximately -3.47 seconds.
  • #1
sadakaa
19
0

Homework Statement


A .25kg ball is dropped from rest. Air resistance is f= -.05v
a. find v(t)
b. What is the terminal velocity of the ball?
c. At what time does the ball reach 50% of its terminal velocity? 90%?

Homework Equations


F=ma
F= mg - .05v

The Attempt at a Solution


Began to solve the equation knowing that I have to separate the terms, moves all the velocity terms to one side, then integrate.

ma = mg - .05v
a = mg/m - .05v/m
a = g - .2v

dv/dt = g - .2v
dt = dv/(g-.2v)

now I am just wondering to integrate that terms on the right. U-substitution for the denominator?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
[tex]\int{\frac{du}{a+k u}}=\frac{ln(a+k u)}{k}[/tex]
Integral tables are your friend ^_^
 
  • #3
so just to make sure I am correct, [tex]\int\frac{dv}{g-.2v}[/tex] is [tex]\frac{ln(g-.2v)}{.2} + constant[/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #4
alright so i assumed that was correct and went on with the problem, but ran into trouble at c.

ΣF = ma = mg - .05v
a = mg/m - .05v/.25
a = g - .2v
dv/dt = a

dv/dt = g - .2v
dv/(g - .2v) = dt
∫ dv/(g - .2v) = ∫dt
ln(g - .2v)/.2 = t - c
ln(g - .2v) = .2(t - c)
e[tex]^{.2(t - c)}[/tex] = g - .2v
e[tex]^{.2(t - c)}[/tex] - g = -.2v
-[e[tex]^{.2(t - c)}[/tex] - g]/.2 = v(t)

Ball starts at rest, v = 0 when t = 0
[e[tex]^{-.2c}[/tex] - g]/-.2 = 0
-5[e[tex]^{-.2c}[/tex] - g] = 0
-5e[tex]^{-.2c}[/tex] + 5g = 0
-5e[tex]^{-.2c}[/tex] = -5g
e[tex]^{-.2c}[/tex] = g
ln(g) = -.2c
-ln(g)/.2 = c
c = -11.42

v(t) = -5e.2(t + 11.42) + 49.05

What is the terminal velocity?
ΣF = ma = mg - .05v = 0
.05v = .25g
v = 5g = 49.05 m/s

At what time does the ball reach 50% of its terminal velocity?
v(t) = -5e.2(t + 11.42) + 49.05
v(t) = 24.525 m/s

24.525 - 49.05 = -5e[tex]^{.2(t + 11.42)}[/tex]
4.905 = e[tex]^{.2(t + 11.42)}[/tex]
ln(4.905) = .2(t + 11.42)
ln(4.905) - 2.284 = .2t
[ln(4.905) - 2.284]/.2 = t

t = -3.47 sec
t is negative. whattttt?
 

What is u-substitution and why is it used for finding v(t)?

U-substitution is a technique used in calculus to simplify integrals where the integrand is a composite function. It involves replacing a complex expression inside the integral with a simpler variable, u, and then using the chain rule to express the integral in terms of the new variable. This method is helpful for finding v(t) because it allows for easier integration and can often lead to closed-form solutions.

How do I know when to use u-substitution for finding v(t)?

U-substitution is typically used when the integrand contains a composite function, meaning it is composed of multiple functions. This can include functions like sin(x), e^x, or ln(x). It is also useful when the integrand contains a polynomial raised to a power. If you are having difficulty integrating a function, u-substitution is a good technique to try.

What are the steps for using u-substitution to find v(t)?

The steps for using u-substitution are as follows:

  1. Identify the function inside the integral that is causing difficulty.
  2. Substitute this function with a new variable, u.
  3. Differentiate u with respect to the original variable to get du/dx.
  4. Replace all instances of the original function with u and all instances of dx with du/dx.
  5. Simplify the new integral and solve for v(t).

Can u-substitution be used for all integrals involving v(t)?

No, u-substitution is not always the best method for finding v(t). It is most effective when the integrand contains a composite function or a polynomial raised to a power. In some cases, other techniques such as integration by parts or trigonometric substitution may be more suitable.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using u-substitution for finding v(t)?

One common mistake is forgetting to replace all instances of dx with du/dx when substituting in the new variable. It is also important to make sure that the limits of integration are changed to correspond with the new variable. Another mistake is choosing the wrong u-substitution, which can lead to incorrect results. It is important to practice and carefully check your work when using u-substitution.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
3
Replies
97
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
742
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
705
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
904
Back
Top