Chapter 8: Problem 61
Average value A retarding force, symbolized by the dashpot in the accompanying figure, slows the motion of the weighted spring so that the mass's position at time \(t\) is $$\quad y=2 e^{-t} \cos t, \quad t \geq 0$$ Find the average value of \(y\) over the interval \(0 \leq t \leq 2 \pi\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The average value of \( y = 2 e^{-t} \cos t \) from \( 0 \) to \( 2\pi \) is approximately 0.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Formula for Average Value
The average value of a continuous function \( y(t) \) over the interval \([a, b]\) is given by the formula \( \bar{y} = \frac{1}{b-a} \int_{a}^{b} y(t) \, dt \). For this problem, \( y(t) = 2 e^{-t} \cos t \) and the interval is \([0, 2\pi] \). This means \( a = 0 \), \( b = 2\pi \).
02
Set Up the Integral
Plug the function \( y = 2 e^{-t} \cos t \) into the formula for the average value. This gives us the integral \( \int_{0}^{2 \pi} 2 e^{-t} \cos t \, dt \). The average value will be \( \bar{y} = \frac{1}{2\pi} \int_{0}^{2\pi} 2 e^{-t} \cos t \, dt \).
03
Solve the Integral
To solve \( \int_{0}^{2 \pi} 2 e^{-t} \cos t \, dt \), use integration by parts. Let \( u = \cos t \) (so \( du = -\sin t \, dt \)) and \( dv = 2e^{-t} \, dt \) (so \( v = -2e^{-t} \)). The integration by parts formula is \( \int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du \). After applying this method, calculate the definite integral over \([0, 2\pi]\).
04
Evaluate the Definite Integral
After using integration by parts, evaluate the antiderivatives at the bounds \( 0 \) and \( 2\pi \). Notice that because \( e^{-t} \) approaches zero very quickly as \( t \) increases, the value of the function at \( t = 2\pi \) will be very small. After evaluation, you'll find the integral gives a small number approaching zero.
05
Calculate the Average Value
Since \( \int_{0}^{2\pi} 2 e^{-t} \cos t \, dt \approx 0 \), the average value simplifies as follows: \( \bar{y} = \frac{1}{2\pi} (\text{the evaluated integral}) \approx 0 \). Thus, \( \bar{y} \) is approximately \( 0 \), meaning the average value over the interval is almost zero.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Integration by Parts
Integration by parts is a handy technique for solving certain integrals. It is particularly useful when you have a product of functions. The formula is\[ \int u \, dv = uv - \int v \, du \]Here's how you can use it:
- Identify parts of the integral: Choose parts of the equation to represent \( u \) and \( dv \).
- Differentiation and integration: Calculate \( du \) by differentiating \( u \), and find \( v \) by integrating \( dv \).
- Substitute: Plug \( u \), \( dv \), \( du \), and \( v \) into the integration by parts formula.
- Solve the remaining integral: Often, you'll need to compute another simpler integral to finish the job.
Definite Integrals
Definite integrals give the accumulation of values across an interval. They are represented as:\[ \int_{a}^{b} f(x) \, dx \]where \( a \) and \( b \) are the limits and \( f(x) \) is the function you're integrating. When working with a definite integral:
- Set up the integral: Put the function and its limits into an integral form, ready for evaluation.
- Evaluate the antiderivative: Calculate the antiderivative or "solution" to the integral.
- Apply the limits: After finding the antiderivative, substitute the upper and lower limits (\( b \) and \( a \)) into the antiderivative, and subtract the latter from the former.
Retarding Force in Physics
In physics, a retarding force is a kind of damping that gradually slows down motion. Often, it is used to model things like air resistance or friction, which oppose the movement of objects.
- Dashpot Model: The dampening system is often represented using a "dashpot," a device that applies a force opposite to the direction of movement, effectively slowing it.
- Real-world applications: This concept appears in car shock absorbers, air resistance for projectiles, and vibration isolation systems.
- Mathematical Representation: In this exercise, the retarding force impacts the position of the weight on a spring, modeled by \( y = 2 e^{-t} \cos t \), indicating that the further the mass moves in time, the more the force reduces its speed.