Chapter 9: Problem 22
Solve the following initial value problem for \(u\) as a function of \(t\): \(\frac{d u}{d t}+\frac{k}{m} u=0 \quad(k \text { and } m \text { positive constants }), \quad u(0)=u_{0}\) a. as a first-order linear equation. b. as a separable equation.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solution is \( u(t) = u_0 e^{-\frac{k}{m} t} \) using both methods (linear and separable).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Equation
The given differential equation \( \frac{du}{dt} + \frac{k}{m} u = 0 \) is a first-order linear differential equation. The standard form of a first-order linear equation is \( \frac{du}{dt} + P(t)u = Q(t) \). Here, \( P(t) = \frac{k}{m} \) and \( Q(t) = 0 \). It is also separable by nature, which means it can be solved using separation of variables.
02
Solution as a First-Order Linear Equation
For a first-order linear equation \( \frac{du}{dt} + P(t) u = Q(t) \), we use an integrating factor \( \mu(t) = e^{\int P(t) \, dt} \). In this case, \( P(t) = \frac{k}{m} \), so \( \mu(t) = e^{\int \frac{k}{m} \, dt} = e^{\frac{k}{m}t} \). Multiply the entire differential equation by \( \mu(t) \) to get \( e^{\frac{k}{m}t} \frac{du}{dt} + e^{\frac{k}{m}t} \frac{k}{m} u = 0 \). Integrating both sides with respect to \( t \) gives \( e^{\frac{k}{m}t} u = C \), and thus \( u = Ce^{-\frac{k}{m}t} \). Applying the initial condition \( u(0) = u_0 \), we get \( C = u_0 \). Therefore, \( u(t) = u_0 e^{-\frac{k}{m}t} \).
03
Solution as a Separable Equation
The equation \( \frac{du}{dt} + \frac{k}{m} u = 0 \) can be rewritten as \( \frac{du}{dt} = -\frac{k}{m} u \). This form allows separation of variables: \( \frac{du}{u} = -\frac{k}{m} dt \). Integrating both sides, we have \( \ln|u| = -\frac{k}{m} t + C \). By exponentiation, \( u = e^{C} e^{-\frac{k}{m} t} \). Let \( e^{C} = C_1 \), then \( u = C_1 e^{-\frac{k}{m} t} \). Applying the initial condition \( u(0) = u_0 \), we find \( C_1 = u_0 \), yielding \( u(t) = u_0 e^{-\frac{k}{m} t} \).
04
Verify and Interpret the Solution
Both methods lead to the same solution \( u(t) = u_0 e^{-\frac{k}{m} t} \). This function describes an exponential decay over time, depending on the initial value \( u_0 \), the decay constant \( k \), and the mass \( m \). Convergence to zero occurs as time increases.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
First-Order Linear Differential Equation
A first-order linear differential equation is an equation that involves a function and its first derivative.
These equations have the general form \( \frac{du}{dt} + P(t)u = Q(t) \). Here, \( P(t) \) and \( Q(t) \) can be any functions of \( t \), but they are often constants, especially in simpler problems.
These equations have the general form \( \frac{du}{dt} + P(t)u = Q(t) \). Here, \( P(t) \) and \( Q(t) \) can be any functions of \( t \), but they are often constants, especially in simpler problems.
- **Structure**: The structure of these equations allows them to be solved using systematic methods.
- **Integrating Factor**: An important method for solving these equations is using an integrating factor. This is a function, often exponential, that transforms the equation into an easily integrable form.
- **Initial Value Problems**: These equations often come with an initial condition, like \( u(0) = u_0 \), which allows us to find the constant of integration and thus a unique solution.
Separation of Variables
Separation of variables is another powerful technique used to solve differential equations, especially when the equation is already in or can be rearranged into a separable form.
- **Separable Form**: A differential equation is separable if it can be expressed as \( \frac{du}{dt} = g(t) u = f(t) u \), allowing the variables to be separated into \( \int \frac{1}{u} du = \int -\frac{k}{m} dt \).
- **Integration**: Once the variables are separated, the next step is to integrate both sides. This will typically involve integrating functions like \( \ln(u) \) for the \( u \) side, and linear terms for the \( t \) side.
- **Exponentiation**: After integration, you would often exponentiate both sides to solve for \( u \), especially when the equation originally involved logarithmic integration.
- **Initial Conditions**: Use these to determine any constants of integration. For the given problem, the condition \( u(0) = u_0 \) is applied after integration.
Exponential Decay
In mathematics, exponential decay describes the process of reducing an amount by a consistent percentage rate over a period of time.
- **Decay Formula**: The general form is \( u(t) = u_0 e^{-kt} \), but in physical problems, you often have additional parameters, like mass \( m \) in this problem.
- **Decay Constant**: Here, \( k/m \) acts as the decay constant. It dictates the rate of decay; larger values mean a quicker decrease.
- **Time Dependency**: As \( t \) increases, \( e^{-\frac{k}{m}t} \) approaches zero, indicating how the initial amount decays away over time.
- **Applications**: Exponential decay models various real-world processes like radioactive decay, cooling of a hot object, or depreciation of value over time.