Using first principles, how to get the equation of motion?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equation of motion for a mass on a spring, considering forces such as linear resistance, restoring force, and a driving force. The original poster seeks to understand how to apply first principles to arrive at the equation of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the forces acting on the mass to its motion but expresses confusion about applying first principles. Some participants ask for clarification on the parameters and the exact wording of the problem. Others suggest starting from the sum of forces and expressing them in terms of acceleration and displacement.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying definitions and parameters, with some providing guidance on how to approach the problem. There is a focus on ensuring that the original poster understands the relationships between the forces and the motion of the mass.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential confusion regarding the definitions of parameters such as α and β, as well as the distinction between force and acceleration. The original poster is encouraged to define these terms clearly in their discussion.

Nicci
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<< Mentor Note -- thread moved from the technical forums, so no Template is shown >>[/color]

Show, from the first principles, that the equation of motion of a mass (m) on a spring, subjected to a linear resistance force R, a restoring force S, and a driving force G(t) is given by

d2x/dt2+ 2K(dx/dt) + Ω2x = F(t)

I started by saying S = αx and R = βv.
ma = G(t) - S - R = G(t) - αx - βv where a = (d2x/dt2) and v = (dx/dt)

I am a bit confused on how to use the first principles to derive the equation. Usually for first principles I would have a function like f(x) and then I would use f(x+h), but I am stuck on this part. I did try to use G(t) and G(t+h), but that did not work.
Can someone maybe give me a hint on how to use the first principles in this case? I am sure I will be able to derive the equation if I can just figure out the next step.
Thank you very much in advance.
 
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Nicci said:
Show, from the first principles, that the equation of motion of a mass (m) on a spring, subjected to a linear resistance force R, a restoring force S, and a driving force G(t) is given by

d2x/dt2+ 2K(dx/dt) + Ω2x = F(t)
Hi Nicci. Welcome to PF!

Can you provide us with the exact wording of the question? I am not clear on what F(t) is.

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Hi Nicci. Welcome to PF!

Can you provide us with the exact wording of the question? I am not clear on what F(t) is.

AM
"Show, from the first principles, that the equation of motion of a mass (m) on a spring, subjected to a linear resistance force R, a restoring force S, and a driving force G(t) is given by

d2x/dt2+ 2K(dx/dt) + Ω2x = F(t)

In your discussion, clearly define S, R, K, Ω, and F(t)."
This is the exact words of the question.

In the textbook it states that:
F(t) = G(t)/m
Ω2 = α/m
2K = β/m

Thank you very much.
 
You haven't given any reason for introducing new parameters α and β so why do so?
Other than that, start with ΣF = ma. What is a in therms of x?
How about velocity? In terms of x? And where does G(t) fit in?
So rewrite ΣF in terms of x with the given parameters (typically constants except for G(t).
The rest should flow freely.
 
Nicci said:
"Show, from the first principles, that the equation of motion of a mass (m) on a spring, subjected to a linear resistance force R, a restoring force S, and a driving force G(t) is given by

d2x/dt2+ 2K(dx/dt) + Ω2x = F(t)

In your discussion, clearly define S, R, K, Ω, and F(t)."
This is the exact words of the question.

In the textbook it states that:
F(t) = G(t)/m
Ω2 = α/m
2K = β/m
So α is the spring constant (usually denoted as k) which is potentially confusing. Also, F is an acceleration not a force, which can cause confusion.

Do as rude man says and express the sum of all forces in terms of the total mass x acceleration. There are 3 different forces ie:

∑Forces = ma = Applied force + Resistive force + Restorative Spring force

Spring: Let the equilibrium point be 0. How is the restoring force related to x?. Hint: Where is the restoring force always directed toward?

Resistive force: It is not clear from the problem as stated, but this force is a linear function of speed. What is its direction in relation to the speed direction?

Applied force: G(t) is an applied force that is not a function of x.AM
 
rude man said:
You haven't given any reason for introducing new parameters α and β so why do so?
Other than that, start with ΣF = ma. What is a in therms of x?
How about velocity? In terms of x? And where does G(t) fit in?
So rewrite ΣF in terms of x with the given parameters (typically constants except for G(t).
The rest should flow freely.

Thank you very much. I will define the new parameters and all the other terms.
 
Andrew Mason said:
So α is the spring constant (usually denoted as k) which is potentially confusing. Also, F is an acceleration not a force, which can cause confusion.

Do as rude man says and express the sum of all forces in terms of the total mass x acceleration. There are 3 different forces ie:

∑Forces = ma = Applied force + Resistive force + Restorative Spring force

Spring: Let the equilibrium point be 0. How is the restoring force related to x?. Hint: Where is the restoring force always directed toward?

Resistive force: It is not clear from the problem as stated, but this force is a linear function of speed. What is its direction in relation to the speed direction?

Applied force: G(t) is an applied force that is not a function of x.AM

Thank you very much. It looks like I am on the correct path. I will just define my parameters and other terms.
 
Nicci said:
Thank you very much. I will define the new parameters and all the other terms.
May you please send me all your solutions 8 am struggling with this question also
 

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