Assignment: Engineering Physics - Differential Equatio
1. Introduction
In this assignment, we will explore the concept of differential equations, specifically first-order and second-orde
and their applications in various engineering systems. The topics will include Newton's Law of Cooling, Radioa
for first-order equations. The second-order differential equations will cover mechanical and electrical vibrations
damped vibrations, forced oscillations, resonance phenomenon, and electrical systems.
2. First-Order Differential Equations
2.1 Newton's Law of Cooling
Newton's Law of Cooling describes the rate at which the temperature of an object changes due to its surrounding environment.
It is given by the equation: dT/dt = -k(T - Ts)
Where: T(t) is the temperature of the object at time t, Ts is the surrounding temperature (assumed constant), k is the cooling constan
The solution to this equation provides the temperature of the object over time, showing an exponential decay toward the ambient tem
2.2 Radioactive Decay
Radioactive decay follows a first-order differential equation, where the rate of decay is proportional to the quantity of radioactive mate
This can be expressed as: dN/dt = -λ N
Where: N(t) is the number of undecayed atoms at time t, λ is the decay constant.
The solution to this equation describes the exponential decrease in the number of radioactive particles over time,
giving the half-life T1/2 of the substance: T1/2 = ln(2)/λ
2.3 L-R Circuit
In an L-R circuit, the voltage across the inductor and resistor is governed by the following first-order differential equation:
L di/dt + Ri = V0
Where: L is the inductance, R is the resistance, V0 is the constant voltage source, i(t) is the current in the circuit.
The solution of this equation gives the current as a function of time, showing how it grows or decays depending on the resistance an
2.4 C-R Circuit
For a C-R circuit, where the current is related to the charge on the capacitor, the equation is:
R dq/dt + q/C = 0
Where: q(t) is the charge on the capacitor at time t, C is the capacitance.
The solution describes the discharge of the capacitor, where the voltage across the capacitor decreases exponentially.
