Differential equations

Differential equations are equations containing derivatives.

The following are examples of physical phenomena involving rates
of change:
I Motion of fluids
I Motion of mechanical systems
I Flow of current in electrical circuits
I Dissipation of heat in solid objects
I Seismic waves
I Population dynamics
A differential equation that describes a physical process is often
called a mathematical model.
Example 1: Free Fall

Formulate a differential equation describing motion of an object

falling in the atmosphere near sea level.
I Variables: time t, velocity v .
I Constant: mass m.
dv
I acceleration is the derivative of velocity: a = dt
I Newton’s Second Law: F = ma = m dv
dt
I Force of gravity = mg (positive is down)
I Force of air resistance = −γv (force is up) (approximately,
maybe, sometimes?)
I
dv
m = mg − γv .
dt
Equilibrium Solutions

Equilibrium solution: a solution that is not changing with time.

To find it, put dv /dt = 0 in

dv
m = mg − γv .
dt
We find
0 = mg − γv
mg
v=
γ
This is the “terminal velocity.” We claim all solutions will
approach this solution asymptotically for large t. What is your
terminal velocity? How far would you have to fall to reach it?
What’s the terminal velocity of a spider?