Velocity as a function of time -- Terminal Velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves determining the velocity of an object in free fall with a parachute, modeled by a differential equation that describes the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and time. The context is rooted in physics, specifically in the study of motion under the influence of gravity and drag forces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the formulation of the velocity function v(t) from the given differential equation dv/dt = a - bv. There are inquiries about how to incorporate time into the equation and the steps necessary to solve it using Euler's method.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the initial steps required to derive v(t) from the differential equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the equation and the need to understand Euler's method before proceeding.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted emphasis on the requirement to use Euler's method for solving the problem, and participants are grappling with the initial setup of the differential equation without a direct expression for v(t). The discussion reflects a mix of understanding and uncertainty regarding the mathematical approach needed.

alex steve
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I am having trouble finding a staring place. My class requires us to use python to solve the equation.

This problem requires me to use eulers method to solve it. My issues is that i am getting confused as of how to find the v(t). Its been a while since i have had to do advance physics like this. Any help would be appreciated.

The question asks:

When jumping from an airplane, you will most often have a parachute to slow your fall. Here let's consider a very simple example in which the frictional drag force is linearly dependent on the velocity:dv/dt=a−bvwhere a and b are constants. In our case a corresponds to the acceleration due to gravity, and b is a constant from drag. Note that the drag force is negative, indicating it opposes the motion. Use the Euler method to solve for v as a function of time and plot your results. A convenient choice of parameters is a=10and b=1. You should find that v approaches a constant value at long times: this is the terminal velocity. If you open your chute immediately after jumping from the plane, you will have vinitial∼1 m/s, but if you wait a minute or so, you will have vinitial∼50 m/s. Plot both v(t) curves on the same plot with a legend.

I am just getting confused with : if the equations says dv/dt = a=bv , where would i insert t for v(t) if the equation has no t except for the dt in the denominator.
 
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alex steve said:
I am just getting confused with : if the equations says dv/dt = a=bv , where would i insert t for v(t) if the equation has no t except for the dt in the denominator.
It is a differential equation, you have to solve it first.
 
alex steve said:
I am just getting confused with : if the equations says dv/dt = a=bv , where would i insert t for v(t) if the equation has no t except for the dt in the denominator.
First, what do you know about Euler's Method?
 
I do not need to know about Euler's method right now . I just need help on figuring out the v(t) equation which is the first step of this problem. I will have to code The euler's method later on.
 
alex steve said:
I do not need to know about Euler's method right now . I just need help on figuring out the v(t) equation which is the first step of this problem. I will have to code The euler's method later on.
You won't have a v(t) equation. You'll have a dv/dt equation (which you already have). Then you'll apply Euler's Method to that. So you really should read up on Euler's method first. A web search should turn up many references and examples of its application.
 

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