Solving for Velocity of Particle on Inclined Plane

In summary, the problem involves a particle sliding down a smooth inclined plane with a resistive force. By setting up an equation with the forces acting on the particle, integration can be used to find the velocity function. However, care must be taken as the velocity is also a function of time, and treating it as a constant will result in errors. Instead, the problem can be solved using the integrating factor method as it involves a first-order differential equation.
  • #1
thereddevils
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Homework Statement



A particle with mass m slides down from rest on a smooth plane inclined at an angle of theta with the horizontal . The particle, besides subjected to gravity experiences a resistive force of magnitude mkv ,with v as its velocity at time t and k as a positive constant. Show that

[tex]v=\frac{g\sin \theta}{k}(1-e^{-kt})[/tex]

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i started with mg sin theta-mkv =ma

g sin theta -kv=a

do i integrate to get the velocity function? I tried but it didn't work.
 
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  • #2
Yes, you do perform integration to get the velocity function. My attempt resulted in success in replicating the given equation, so you must have fumbled somewhere in your integration. Perhaps you would like to show us your steps so we can pinpoint the error?
 
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  • #3
Fightfish said:
Yes, you do perform integration to get the velocity function. My attempt resulted in success in replication the given equation, so you must have fumbled somewhere in your integration. Perhaps you would like to show us your steps so we can pinpoint the error?

thanks Fightfish ,

from a=g sin theta-kv

[tex]v=\int g\sin \theta dt-\int kv dt[/tex]

[tex]=tg\sin \theta-kvt+C[/tex]

when t=0, v=0

[tex]v=tg\sin \theta-kvt[/tex]

and the furthest i can get

[tex]v=\frac{tg\sin \theta}{1+kt}[/tex]
 
  • #4
thereddevils said:
[tex]v=\int g\sin \theta dt-\int kv dt[/tex]

[tex]=tg\sin \theta-kvt+C[/tex]

The problem lies here. v is also a function of t and not a constant, so the integration of kv wrt t is not merely multiplying it by t. We need to consider the problem as a first-order differential equation:
[tex]\frac{dv}{dt} + kv = g sin \theta[/tex]
Then, solve it using the integrating factor method.
 
  • #5
Fightfish said:
The problem lies here. v is also a function of t and not a constant, so the integration of kv wrt t is not merely multiplying it by t. We need to consider the problem as a first-order differential equation:
[tex]\frac{dv}{dt} + kv = g sin \theta[/tex]
Then, solve it using the integrating factor method.

thanks !
 

FAQ: Solving for Velocity of Particle on Inclined Plane

What is the formula for calculating the velocity of a particle on an inclined plane?

The formula for calculating the velocity of a particle on an inclined plane is given by v = √(2gh(sinθ - μcosθ)), where v is the velocity, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height of the inclined plane, θ is the angle of inclination, and μ is the coefficient of friction.

What does the coefficient of friction represent in the velocity formula?

The coefficient of friction represents the resistance to motion between the particle and the surface of the inclined plane. It takes into account the roughness of the surface and the weight of the particle.

How does the angle of inclination affect the velocity of the particle?

The angle of inclination has a direct impact on the velocity of the particle. As the angle increases, the velocity of the particle decreases. This is because the component of gravity acting along the incline decreases, resulting in a smaller acceleration and therefore a lower velocity.

Is there a limit to the angle of inclination in the velocity formula?

Yes, there is a limit to the angle of inclination in the velocity formula. The maximum angle of inclination is 90 degrees, or a vertical plane. At this angle, the particle will not slide down the inclined plane but will instead fall straight down due to the force of gravity.

What are some real-life applications of calculating the velocity of a particle on an inclined plane?

The calculation of the velocity of a particle on an inclined plane has many practical applications, such as determining the speed of a roller coaster on a steep incline, calculating the velocity of a ball rolling down a hill, or predicting the speed of a car traveling on a hilly road.

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