1

Module 10: WORDED APPLICATION PROBLEMS

by:
JOSEPH KARL G. SALVA
MSc, M.Eng., PECE, ACPE, ASEAN Eng.
Associate Professor I - University of San Carlos
Cebu City, Philippines

1. INTRODUCTION

In studying the behavior of physical systems, one approach it is to initially formulate their mathematical
models. The modelling process are normally based on the fundamental laws of science and basic concepts
of mathematics. In some cases, the mathematical model is in the form of differential equations. With the
knowledge of solving the differential equation, one can obtain information about the way a particular system
behaves.
The following items are various applications of differential equations, common to most of the engineering
fields. Modelling is given emphasis and are solved using some of the methods presented in previous
modules. Though most of the solutions are plotted to get a clearer picture of how a dependent variable varies
instantaneously with an independent variable, the process is not presented. It is assumed that students
already have a good background in the use of Microsoft EXCEL or some form computer programming
languages readily availlble

2. WORDED APPLICATION PROBLEMS

Problem 1. Plot the curve that passes through a point (−1,2) in the 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 plane, where the slope at
2𝑦𝑦
any of its points is .
𝑥𝑥
Solution:
∆𝑦𝑦 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Recall that 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = lim = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
∆𝑥𝑥→0 ∆𝑥𝑥

In this case
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2𝑦𝑦
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑥𝑥

This is a variable separable differential equations and separating the variables

result into
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑦𝑦
= 𝑥𝑥

Then integrate both sides

 2

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
∫ =∫
𝑦𝑦 𝑥𝑥

Simplifying, results into

ln 𝑦𝑦 = 2 ln 𝑥𝑥 + ln 𝑐𝑐
ln 𝑦𝑦 = ln 𝑐𝑐𝑥𝑥 2
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑐𝑐𝑥𝑥 2
𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 (−1,2) 2 = 𝑐𝑐(−1)2 → 𝑐𝑐 = 2

Finally, 𝑦𝑦 = 2𝑥𝑥 2 which is actually a parabola shown below.

Plot of the Solution

4.5

3.5

2.5
y-axis

2 (-1,2)

1.5

0.5

0
-1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5
x-axis

Problem 2. Plot the orthogonal trajectories of the family of circles defined by 𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 𝑘𝑘.
Solution:

𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑦𝑦 2 = 𝑘𝑘
Taking the derivatives on both sides, result into
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2𝑥𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑦 =0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Then rearranging results into
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 −𝑥𝑥 −𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑦𝑦
or 𝑚𝑚1 = 𝑦𝑦

This is the slope of the lines tangent to the family of curves. In this problem,
we are to determine the equation of family of lines orthogonal to the family of
 3

circles. This will also mean that we are to determine the equation of the family
of lines perpendicular to the tangent lines.
If we let 𝑚𝑚2 be the slope of the family of perpendicular lines and applying
the condition for orthogonality:

𝑚𝑚1 𝑚𝑚2 = −1
then
1
𝑚𝑚2 = −
𝑚𝑚1
1
𝑚𝑚2 = − 𝑥𝑥
�− 𝑦𝑦�
𝑦𝑦
𝑚𝑚2 = −
𝑥𝑥
or
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑦𝑦
=−
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
=−
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑥𝑥
ln 𝑦𝑦 = ln 𝑥𝑥 + ln 𝑐𝑐
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
Plot of the Solution

0
y-axis

-1

-2

-3

-4

-5

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
x-axis

From the plot above, it shows that those colored red are the family of lines
orthogonal to the family of circles colored blue.
 4

Problem 3. An metal ball is thrown vertically upward from the ground with initial velocity of 19.6 𝑚𝑚
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
.

Neglecting the air resistance, calculate the following:

a.) Maximum height reached
b.) Total time taken to return to the starting point.
Solution:
Preliminaries:
Let 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = = 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑2 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡)
𝑎𝑎(𝑡𝑡) = = = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2

Requirement a.)
First draw the free body diagram of the metal ball thrown upward.

From the free body diagram, formulate the differential equation by applying
Newton’s Second Law of Motion.

� 𝐹𝐹𝑣𝑣 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
−𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
or
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= −9.8
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Then solve the differential equation.

 5

� 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) = � −9.8𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = −9.8𝑡𝑡 + 𝑐𝑐

Initially, the velocity 𝑣𝑣(0) = 19.6 and substituting to equation above

results into
19.6 = −9.8(0) + 𝑐𝑐 → 𝑐𝑐 = 19.6
The particular solution will now be

𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = −9.8𝑡𝑡 + 19.6

When the metal ball reaches maximum height where the time is 𝑡𝑡1 it
obviously stops, so the velocity is 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡1 ) = 0. In this case,
0 = −9.8𝑡𝑡1 + 19.6

𝑡𝑡1 = 2 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

This is the time required to reach maximum height. But in the meantime just
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
keep this value for later use. Note that 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = , so that
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= −9.8𝑡𝑡 + 19.6
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Separate the variables then integrate both sides.

� 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) = �(−9.8𝑡𝑡 + 19.6) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = −4.9𝑡𝑡 2 + 19.6𝑡𝑡

When maximum height 𝑥𝑥𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 is reached, the time is 𝑡𝑡1 = 2 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 as

previously calculated. So,
𝑥𝑥𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = −4.9(2)2 + 19.6(2)

𝑥𝑥𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 19.6 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

This is the maximum height reached by the metal ball.

 6

Requirement b.)

We now have a new free body diagram as shown below, because the metal
ball’s direction of motion has changed and is now free falling.

Again, apply Newton’s Second Law of Motion.

� 𝐹𝐹𝑣𝑣 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝑚𝑚
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
or
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= 9.8
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
In this case the solution is
𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 9.8𝑡𝑡 + 𝑐𝑐
Just before the metal ball starts to fall, velocity is zero. Meaning
𝑣𝑣(0) = 0 = 9.8(0) + 𝑐𝑐 → c=0
So,
𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 9.8𝑡𝑡
In terms of 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡), this equation becomes
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= 9.8𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Where the general solution is
𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 4.9𝑡𝑡 2 + 𝑏𝑏
 7

Again, before the metal ball starts to fall down the displacement is zero.
0 = 4.9(0)2 + 𝑏𝑏 → 𝑏𝑏 = 0
Thus,
𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 4.9𝑡𝑡 2
Remember that the maximum height reached is 𝑥𝑥𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 19.6 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 .
This is also the same distance covered when the metal ball goes back to its
original position. Therefore
19.6 = 4.9𝑡𝑡 2

19.6
𝑡𝑡2 = � = 2 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
4.9

Thus, the total time to return to original position is

𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 𝑡𝑡1 + 𝑡𝑡2
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 2 + 2

𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 4 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠

Problem 4. Newton’s Law of cooling states that the time rate of change in temperature of an object
varies with the difference in the temperature between the object and the surroundings. If
an object cools from 100 0 𝐶𝐶 to 40 0 𝐶𝐶 in 10 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, what is the temperature of
the object in 5 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚, where the ambient temperature is 26 0 𝐶𝐶

Solution:

As mentioned in the problem

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
∝ (𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) − 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 )
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
To make left side equal to that on the right side, a constant of proportionality
𝑘𝑘 must be multiplied as shown below.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= 𝑘𝑘(𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) − 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 )
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

where
𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜
 8

𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡

parameters given are:

𝑇𝑇(0) = 100
𝑇𝑇(10) = 40
𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 = 26
The requirement is
𝑇𝑇(10) =? ? ?
Now, going back to the above equation which is actually a variable separable
first order differential equation.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= 𝑘𝑘(𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) − 26)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Below is the process to arrive at the general solution.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
� = 𝑘𝑘 � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) − 26
ln(𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) − 26) = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + 𝑐𝑐
𝑒𝑒 ln(𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡)−26) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘+𝑐𝑐
𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐 + 26
𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + 26
Apply initial condition 𝑇𝑇(0) = 100
100 = 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝑘𝑘(0) + 26
𝐴𝐴 = 74
𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) = 74𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + 26
Apply 𝑇𝑇(10) = 40
40 = 74𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑘(10) + 26
74𝑒𝑒 10𝑘𝑘 = 40 − 26
14
𝑒𝑒 10𝑘𝑘 =
74
1 14
𝑘𝑘 = ln � �
10 74
𝑘𝑘 = −0.17
 9

𝑇𝑇(𝑡𝑡) = 74𝑒𝑒 −0.17𝑡𝑡 + 26

So, when 𝑡𝑡 = 5 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

𝑇𝑇(5) = 74𝑒𝑒 −0.17(5) + 26

𝑇𝑇(5) = 57.63 0 𝐶𝐶

Below is the plot of the instantaneous temperature, based on the derived

particular solution. It shows that initially temperature is 100 0 𝐶𝐶 and as time
approaches to larger values, the temperature also approaches the ambient
temperature of 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴 = 26 0 𝐶𝐶
Plot of the Instantneous Temperature
100

90

80

70

60
Temperature of the object when t=5 seconds
Degrees Centigrade

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
seconds

Problem 5. Calculate the amount of a radioactive material on the 150th year if it initial amount is
10 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑎𝑎 half-lifetime 𝜏𝜏1 = 250 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦. Also plot the instantaneous amount up
2

to 500 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦.
Solution:
Let 𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦
For a radioactive material, the rate of change of its amount is directly
proportional to its instantaneous amount 𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦).
 10

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
∝ 𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
To make right side equal to that on the left side, a constant of proportionality
𝑘𝑘 is multiplied to the right side.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
= 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘(𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

given parameters:
𝐴𝐴(0) = 10 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
𝜏𝜏1 = 250 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 → 𝐴𝐴(250) = 5 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
2

Now, start solving the equation above.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
= 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
� = � 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦)
ln 𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + ln 𝑐𝑐
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦)
ln � � = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑐𝑐
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
@ 𝑦𝑦 = 0 𝐴𝐴(0) = 10 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
10 = 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘(0) → 𝑐𝑐 = 10
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦) = 10𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

@ half lifetime 𝐴𝐴(250) = 5 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾

5 = 10𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘(250)
1
𝑒𝑒 250𝑘𝑘 =
2
1 1
𝑘𝑘 = ln
250 2
𝑘𝑘 = −0.0028
𝐴𝐴(𝑦𝑦) = 10𝑒𝑒 −0.0028𝑦𝑦
 11

Finally,
𝐴𝐴(150) = 10𝑒𝑒 −0.0028(150)

𝐴𝐴(150) = 6.57 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾

The graph below as based on the particular solution, shows that the amount
of radioactive material decays exponentially with time.
Plot of the Instantaneous Amount
10

7
Amount at the 150th year
6
Kilograms

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500

years

Problem 6. If the population growth of a flock of 100 ℎ𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢𝑢 chickens is proportional to the
population present and if it triples in 2 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦, what is the expected population in 5 years?
Also plot the instantaneous population.

Solution:
Let 𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦
As mentioned in the problem, the rate of change of population growth is
proportional to its present population 𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦).
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
∝ 𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
To make right side equal to that on the left side, a constant of proportionality
𝑘𝑘 is multiplied to the right side.
 12

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
= 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘(𝑦𝑦)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

given parameters:
𝑃𝑃(0) = 100
𝑃𝑃(2) = 300
Now, start solving the equation above.
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
= 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦)

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑦𝑦)
� = � 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦)
ln 𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 + ln 𝑐𝑐
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦)
ln � � = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
𝑐𝑐
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦) = 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
@ 𝑦𝑦 = 0 𝑃𝑃(0) = 100
100 = 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘(0) → 𝑐𝑐 = 100
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦) = 100𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
@ 𝑦𝑦 = 2 𝑃𝑃(0) = 300
300 = 100𝑒𝑒 𝑘𝑘(2)
𝑒𝑒 2𝑘𝑘 = 3
1
𝑘𝑘 = ln 3
2
𝑘𝑘 = 0.549
𝑃𝑃(𝑦𝑦) = 100𝑒𝑒 0.549𝑦𝑦
Finally,
𝑃𝑃(5) = 100𝑒𝑒 0.549(5)
𝑃𝑃(5) = 1,556
 13

Plot of the Instantaneous Population

3000

2500

2000

Number of Heads on the 5th year

Heads
1500

1000

500

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6

years

Problem 7. A tank is filled half-full of a mixture of 100 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 of water and 50 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 of salt. Ten liters
of brine, each containing 5 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 of dissolved salt, run into the tank per second. The
mixture is kept uniform by stirring, runs out at the same rate. What is the amount of salt
inside the tank after 10 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠?

Solution:

Let 𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡

𝑦𝑦𝑖𝑖 = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑦𝑦𝑜𝑜 = 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
Parameters given are

𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑦𝑦𝑖𝑖 = 10 , 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤ℎ 5 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙
𝑦𝑦𝑜𝑜 = 10
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑦𝑦(0) = 50 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
Requirement is 𝑦𝑦(10) =? ? ?
 14

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
The model of the system is = 𝑦𝑦𝑖𝑖− 𝑦𝑦𝑜𝑜
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾

𝑦𝑦𝑖𝑖 = �10 � �5 � = 50
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾
𝑦𝑦𝑜𝑜 = �10 �� � = 0.1𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡)
𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 100 𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
Substituting to the model
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
= 50 − 0.1𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
+ 0.1𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 50
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
This is a 1st order linear ODE.
𝜇𝜇 = 𝑒𝑒 ∫ 0.1𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡 � + 0.1𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 50�
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑 0.1𝑡𝑡
�𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡)� = 50𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

� 𝑑𝑑�𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡 𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡)� = � 50𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡 𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 500𝑒𝑒 0.1𝑡𝑡 + 𝑐𝑐

𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 500 + 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 −0.1𝑡𝑡
Note that 𝑦𝑦(0) = 50, so
50 = 500 + 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 −0.1(0)
𝑐𝑐 = −450
Thus
𝑦𝑦(𝑡𝑡) = 500 − 450𝑒𝑒 −0.1𝑡𝑡
So, after 10 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑦𝑦(10) = 500 − 450𝑒𝑒 −0.1(10)

𝑦𝑦(10) = 334.45 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾

 15

This is the amout of salt inside the tank when 𝑡𝑡 = 10 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠.

To show how the amount of salt varies with time, a graph below is
shown based of the particular solution just derived.
Plot of the Instantaneous Amount
500

450

400

350
Amount of Salt

300
Kilograms

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
seconds

Problem 8. A series RC circuit is connected in parallel to a 1 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 DC voltage source, where

resistance 𝑅𝑅 = 1 𝑀𝑀Ω and capacitance 𝐶𝐶 = 1 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇. If at the start of operation, no
energy is stored in the electric field of the capacitor, calculate the voltage across the
capacitor and the circuit current at 𝑡𝑡 = 1 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠. Also plot the instantaneous voltage
and current.

Solution:

Let 𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐

𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
Below is the circuit based on the description provided in the problem.

where
𝐸𝐸 = 1 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣
𝑅𝑅 = 1 𝑀𝑀Ω = 1 𝑥𝑥 106 𝑜𝑜ℎ𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
 16

𝐶𝐶 = 1 𝜇𝜇𝜇𝜇 = 1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (0) = 0

Applying Kirchoff’s Voltage Law ∑ 𝑣𝑣 = 0, results into

𝐸𝐸 − 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅(𝑡𝑡) − 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 0
Note that the current 𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) 𝑖𝑖n terms of capacitor voltage is
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = 𝐶𝐶
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Substituting, results into
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
𝐸𝐸 − 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 − 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
1 − (1 𝑥𝑥 106 )(1𝑥𝑥 10−6 ) − 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
1− − 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
+ 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

This is 1st order linear ODE that will serve as basis for solving the voltage across the
capacitor. Now, determine its solution.
𝜇𝜇 = 𝑒𝑒 ∫ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 � + 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 1�
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑 𝑡𝑡
�𝑒𝑒 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)� = 𝑒𝑒𝑡𝑡
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

� 𝑑𝑑�𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)� = � 𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 𝑒𝑒 𝑡𝑡 + 𝑐𝑐
𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 1 + 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡
Apply initial condition 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (0) = 0
0 = 1 + 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 0
𝑐𝑐 = −1`

𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 1 − 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡

 17

This particular solution represents the behavior of the voltage across the
capacitor. At 𝑡𝑡 = 1 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (1) = 1 − 𝑒𝑒 −1

𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (1) = 0.632 𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣𝑣

The graph shown in next page is based on the particular solution just derived. It shows
that voltage across the capacitor inccreases esponentialy with time and as time
approaches a large value, the voltage also approaches the applied voltage.

Plot of the Instantaneous Voltage

1

0.9

0.8

0.7

voltage across the capacitor

0.6

0.5
Volts

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
seconds

Now, from the previously derived equation 𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 1 − 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 , one can formulate
the equation for the instantaneous current of the electrical circuit. This is
𝑑𝑑𝑣𝑣𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡)
because of the fact that 𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑖𝑖𝑐𝑐 (𝑡𝑡) = 𝐶𝐶 . Thus,
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑑𝑑
𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = (1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 ) (1 − 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 )
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = (1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡
So, at at 𝑡𝑡 = 1 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝑖𝑖(1) = (1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )𝑒𝑒 −1

𝑖𝑖(1) = 0.368 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

 18

Again, the graph shown in the next page shows the way how circuit current
varies with time. Notice that as time approach large values, the current
approaches zero. This is due to the fact that the capacitor is already fully
charge. In this case, capacitor voltage is at maximum, making the voltage
across the resistor is zero. Thus, current becomes zero.

10
-6 Plot of the Instantaneous Current
1

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6
Amperes

0.5

0.4
circuit current

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
seconds

Problem 9. In Problem 8, formulate the ODE in terms of capacitor charge 𝑄𝑄(𝑡𝑡) and plot it.
Solution:
Recall from Physics that
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Now, solve this equation.

� 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) = � 𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡)𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Substituting 𝑖𝑖(𝑡𝑡) = (1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 from previous problem, results into

𝑄𝑄(𝑡𝑡) = 1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 � 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

𝑄𝑄(𝑡𝑡) = −(1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 𝑘𝑘

Note that as mentioned in the problem, there is no initial energy stored in the
capacitor. This means that initial charge 𝑄𝑄(0) = 0. In this case
 19

0 = −(1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )𝑒𝑒 0 + 𝑘𝑘

𝑘𝑘 = 1 𝑥𝑥 10−6
Thus
𝑄𝑄(𝑡𝑡) = (1 𝑥𝑥 10−6 )(1 − 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 ) 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶

When plotted, results into the figure shown next page.

10
-6 Plot of the Instantaneous Charge
1

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6
Coluombs

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
seconds

Problem 10. The figure on the right side represents a basic translational
mechanical system, where mass 𝑀𝑀 = 10 𝐾𝐾𝐾𝐾 , 𝑠𝑠tiffness of the
𝑁𝑁 𝑁𝑁
spring is 𝐾𝐾 = 20 𝑚𝑚 and damping coefficient of 𝐵𝐵 = 30 𝑚𝑚 .
� �
𝑠𝑠
Derive the following:

a.) Displacement 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡)

b.) Velocity 𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡)
c.) Acceleration 𝑎𝑎(𝑡𝑡)

By the way, the initial displacement 𝑥𝑥(0) = 0 and the initial velocity is 𝑣𝑣(0) = 0.

Solution:
The first step is to draw the free body diagram, reflecting all the forces acting
the Mass.
 20

Now, apply Newton’s Second Law of Motion ∑ 𝐹𝐹𝑣𝑣 = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚.

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑2 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡)
10 − 20𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) − 30 = 10
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
Simplifying, results into
𝑑𝑑 2 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
2
+3 + 2𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 1
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
For this equation, the characteristic equation is
𝑚𝑚2 + 3𝑚𝑚 + 2 = 0
(𝑚𝑚 + 1)(𝑚𝑚 + 2) = 0
In this case, the roots are 𝑟𝑟1 = −1 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟2 = −2.
The corresponding complimentary solution is
𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 = 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡
Since the right side function 𝑓𝑓(𝑡𝑡) = 1, then the trial solution is
𝑥𝑥 = 𝑎𝑎
𝑥𝑥 ′ = 0
𝑥𝑥 ′′ = 0
Substituting to the original equation, results into
1
0 + 3(0) + 2𝑎𝑎 = 1 → 𝑎𝑎 = 2

So the particular solution is

1
𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑝 =
2

Finally, the complete solution 𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 + 𝑥𝑥𝑝𝑝 is

1
𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 + 2 (displacement)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = = −𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 − 2𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 (velocity)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
 21

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑(𝑡𝑡)
𝑎𝑎(𝑡𝑡) = = 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 4𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 (acceleration)
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

1
Note 𝑥𝑥(0) = 0, then 0 = 𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 0 + 𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 0 + 2. Simplifying, results into
1
𝐴𝐴 + 𝐵𝐵 = −
2
Since 𝑣𝑣(0) = 0, then 0 = −𝐴𝐴𝑒𝑒 0 − 2𝐵𝐵𝑒𝑒 0 , results into
𝐴𝐴 + 2𝐵𝐵 = 0
Solving the last two equations will lead to the following:

1
𝐴𝐴 = −1 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝐵𝐵 =
2
Finally,
1 1
𝑥𝑥(𝑡𝑡) = −𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 2 𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 + 2 (displacement)

𝑣𝑣(𝑡𝑡) = 𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 − 𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 (velocity)

𝑎𝑎(𝑡𝑡) = −𝑒𝑒 −𝑡𝑡 + 2𝑒𝑒 −2𝑡𝑡 (acceleration)