Velocity of a particle large and small times

  • Thread starter Thread starter rock.freak667
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Particle Velocity
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the velocity of a particle moving along the x-axis, described by a differential equation relating velocity and time. The task is to express velocity in terms of time, given specific initial conditions, and to analyze the behavior of this velocity as time approaches both large and small values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of a differential equation to find velocity and explore the implications of the initial conditions. There are attempts to analyze the behavior of the solution as time increases and to deduce the oscillatory nature of the velocity. Questions arise about the limits of trigonometric functions and their combinations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the oscillatory behavior of the velocity function and its amplitude. Some participants suggest methods for combining trigonometric terms to determine the overall behavior of the velocity as time approaches infinity.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the limits of the functions involved and the implications of the initial conditions on the solution. There is an emphasis on the oscillatory nature of the velocity and the need to consider maximum and minimum values in the analysis.

rock.freak667
Homework Helper
Messages
6,221
Reaction score
31

Homework Statement


The velocity,v, of a particle moving on the x-axis varies with the time,t,according to the differential equation [itex]\frac{dv}{dt}+2v=sint[/itex]. Find v in terms of t given that v=0 when t=0. Deduce that when t is large;the velocity of the particle varies between -0.45 and 0.45. Show that is t is very small,then [itex]v\approx\frac{1}{2}t^2[/itex]

Homework Equations



[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{e^{2t}}{5}(2sint-cost))=e^{2t}sint[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{dv}{dt}+2v=sint[/tex]

[tex]X e^{2t}[/tex]

[tex]e^{2t}\frac{dv}{dt}+2e^{2t}v=e^{2t}sint[/tex]

[tex]\int...dt[/tex]

[tex]ve^{2t}=\frac{e^{2t}}{5}(2sint-cost)+C[/tex]

using the initial values they gave me [itex]C=\frac{1}{5}[/itex]

And so
[tex]v=\frac{1}{5}(2sint-cost)+\frac{e^{-2t}}{5}[/tex]

As [itex]t\rightarrow\infty(large),\frac{e^{-2t}}{5}\rightarrow0[/itex]

but [itex]\frac{1}{5}(2sint-cost)[/itex] does not approach any limit as both cost and sint oscillate between 1 and -1.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
rock.freak667 said:

Homework Statement


The velocity,v, of a particle moving on the x-axis varies with the time,t,according to the differential equation [itex]\frac{dv}{dt}+2v=sint[/itex]. Find v in terms of t given that v=0 when t=0. Deduce that when t is large;the velocity of the particle varies between -0.45 and 0.45. Show that is t is very small,then [itex]v\approx\frac{1}{2}t^2[/itex]

Homework Equations



[tex]\frac{d}{dx}(\frac{e^{2t}}{5}(2sint-cost))=e^{2t}sint[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]\frac{dv}{dt}+2v=sint[/tex]

[tex]X e^{2t}[/tex]

[tex]e^{2t}\frac{dv}{dt}+2e^{2t}v=e^{2t}sint[/tex]

[tex]\int...dt[/tex]

[tex]ve^{2t}=\frac{e^{2t}}{5}(2sint-cost)+C[/tex]

using the initial values they gave me [itex]C=\frac{1}{5}[/itex]

And so
[tex]v=\frac{1}{5}(2sint-cost)+\frac{e^{-2t}}{5}[/tex]

As [itex]t\rightarrow\infty(large),\frac{e^{-2t}}{5}\rightarrow0[/itex]

but [itex]\frac{1}{5}(2sint-cost)[/itex] does not approach any limit as both cost and sint oscillate between 1 and -1.
no not between -1 and 1 that is for individual terms.You have to combine them into 1 cosine term and the new amplitude is ur answer.
use the below formula:
A sint + B cost = (A^2+B^2 ) ^(1/2) * Cos(t-arctan(b/A))
 
but wouldn't Cos(t-arctan(b/A)) not approach a limit? Or would t tending to infinity mean that t would eventually be equal toarctan(B/A) and so it would be the cos0=1?
 
the final limit will include a function that oscillates between some numbers.
since that function will oscillate it means that the velocity will vary.
Between [-0.45,0.45] in this case.
You will have to plug in the numbers that lead to the maximum value (0.45) and the minimum (-0.45). and that will be it for t->infinity.
 
Oh...thank you...shall try the next part now
 
rock.freak667 said:
Oh...thank you...shall try the next part now

yes it is just the amplitude as I said [( 2/5)^2 + (1/5)^2 ] ^1/2 = +-0.45
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K