Differential Equations in introductory physics.（微分方程在物理入门。）.pdf

Differential Equations in introductory physics. The purpose of the following is to use specific physics mechanics problems to motivate a consideration of the role and solution of 2nd order, linear differential equations with constant coefficients. Of course the acceleration “a”in Newton’s 2nd law immediately leads to such a differential equation. Problem: Chain falling off a pulley. 2nd order differential equation with constant coefficients. Consider a chain of mass M, length L and density =M/L. The chain is hung over an idealized pulley (frictionless, no moment if inertia, and negligible radius). Initially (at t=0) the chain is at rest and its long side hangs a distance x0 lower than the unstable equilibrium distance L/2 below the pulley. Find the expression for the distance the x(t) that the long end of the chain moves down as a function of time. For solution see: /~croft/Diff-Eq-in%20-Phys/chain-pulley-diffeq.pdf Problem: Spring, simple harmonic motion. 2nd order differential equation with constant coefficients. Consider mass M, attached to a spring with spring constant k. Initially (at t=0) the mass is at rest and is displaced to its maximum amplitude x0 from the stable equilibrium position x=0. Find the expression for the position of the mass, x(t) as a function of time. For solution see: /~croft/Diff-Eq-in%20-Phys/SHM-diffeq.pdf Actually before visiting the above review the discussion of complex variables at the link /~croft/Diff-Eq-in%20-Phys/z-complex-var-impedance.pdf Selected additional discussion of differential equations in introductory physics is at: /~croft/Diff-Eq-in%20-Phys/z-differentialequations.pdf