Categories
Calculus Differential Equations Physics Science

Physics Pendulum Problem

Getting the Period of a Spring-Operated Physical Pendulum

A juicy physics problem that requires delving into the differential equation for pendulum motion. A rod of mass M on a pivot a distance r from the end is driven by a spring of constant k pulling the end back and forth to make an (admittedly stupid) physical pendulum. We have to show that its period T is given by T^2 = 4\pi \frac{M}{3kr^2} (L^2 + 3r^2 -3rl) .

Categories
Calculus integrals Math

Integrate a Rational Expression

This video walks through doing \int \frac{x^3}{1+x^4}\,dx using u-substitution.

Categories
Calculus Line Integrals Math Multivariable Calculus Vector Calculus

Find Potential Function Using Partial Integration

Once you’ve established that curl F = 0, you know that F is the gradient of some potential ⱷ. You can use the Fundamental Theorem to evaluate ∫F.dr — if only you could find the potential function. In this video I go over a straighforward method of finding the potential function using partial integration. (Note: the sound quality gets wonky near the end but you can still hear what I’m explaining perfectly well. Apologies and I’ll figure out eventually why that happens.)

Categories
Calculus Limits Math

Precise Definition of a Limit

A clear explanation of the epsilon-delta definition of a limit

Categories
Calculus Differential Equations Math ODE

What is a Differential Equation?

Lots of calculus students learn to solve differential equations without understanding what they really mean. Here’s a simple example of a differential equation so you can see how it works.