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Introduction to Basic Calculus: Applications I

This article introduces the application of calculus in physics, covering center-of-mass calculations (cones, hemispheric shells, hemispheres), conservative force potential energy and equilibrium stability criteria, Taylor small quantity expansion and its application in classic problems such as electric dipole forces, relativistic kinetic energy reduction, and non-uniform buoyancy.

Pick up flowers in the morning and evening

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Example 1

There is a cone with uniform mass, the angle between its generatrix and the height is θ\theta, the radius of the base is rr, and the density is ρ\rho.

(1) Find the total mass

(2) Find the position of the center of gravity

Let the origin be the top of the cone and the height of the cone be the x-axis

(1)

dm=ρSdh=πρ(htanθ)2dhm=dm=πρtan2θ0rcotθh2dh=πρtan2θ(13h3)0rcotθ=13πρr3cotθ\begin{gathered} dm=\rho Sdh\\ =\pi\rho (h\tan\theta)^2dh\\ m=\int dm\\ =\pi\rho\tan^2\theta\int_0^{r\cot\theta}h^2dh\\ =\pi\rho\tan^2\theta\left(\frac{1}{3}h^3)\right|_0^{r\cot\theta}\\ =\frac{1}{3}\pi\rho r^3\cot\theta \end{gathered}

(2)

From the symmetry, the center of gravity is at the height of the cone.

xc=mixim=0rcotθπρtan2θx3dxm=πρtan2θ0rcotθx3dx13πρr3cotθ=3tan3θr3(rcotθ)44=34rcotθ\begin{gathered} x_c=\frac{\int m_ix_i}{m}\\ =\frac{\int_0^{r\cot\theta}\pi\rho\tan^2\theta x^3dx}{m}\\ =\frac{\pi\rho\tan^2\theta\int_0^{r\cot\theta}x^3dx}{\frac{1}{3}\pi\rho r^3\cot\theta}\\ =3\frac{\tan^3\theta}{r^3}\frac{(r\cot\theta)^4}{4}\\ =\frac{3}{4}r\cot\theta \end{gathered}

Example 3

Find the position of the center of gravity of the uniform hemispheric shell**

With the center of the sphere as the origin, the vertical cross-section direction is the x-axis

Let’s assume that the mass per unit area is 1.

Following the example of finding the volume of an n-dimensional sphere, we consider cutting each one at θ,dθ\theta,d\theta.

Essential difference from hemispherical shell

Volume of n-dimensional sphereArea of hemispherical shell
Slicing methodHorizontal slice, thickness dy=Rsinθdθ\|dy\| = R\sin\theta\,d\thetaSpherical annular shape, arc length dl=Rdθdl = R\,d\theta
RsinθdθR\sin\theta\,d\theta✅ Correct (vertical thickness)❌ Wrong (should be arc length)

dm=(2πRsinθ)Rdθxc=0π2Rcosθdm2πR2=2πR30π2sinθcosθdθ2πR2=2πR30π2sinθdsinθ2πR2=2πR301udu2πR2=2πR3×122πR2=12R\begin{gathered} dm=(2\pi R\sin\theta)Rd\theta\\ x_c=\frac{\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}} R\cos\theta dm}{2\pi R^2}\\ =\frac{2\pi R^3\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin\theta\cos\theta d\theta}{2\pi R^2}\\ =\frac{2\pi R^3\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin\theta d\sin\theta}{2\pi R^2}\\ =\frac{2\pi R^3\int_{0}^{1}udu}{2\pi R^2}\\ =\frac{2\pi R^3\times\frac{1}{2}}{2\pi R^2}\\ =\frac{1}{2}R \end{gathered}

Example 4

Find the position of the center of gravity of the uniform hemispheric body**

With the center of the sphere as the origin, the vertical cross-section direction is the x-axis

Let’s assume that the mass per unit volume is 1.

We cross the parallel section:

Method 1

dm=π(Rsinθ)2sinθRdθxc=Rcosθdm23πR3=πR40π2sin3θcosθdθ23πR3=32R0π2sin3θdsinθ=32R01u3du=38R\begin{gathered} dm=\pi (R\sin\theta)^2\sin\theta Rd\theta\\ x_c=\frac{\int R\cos\theta dm}{\frac{2}{3}\pi R^3}\\ =\frac{\pi R^4\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^3\theta\cos\theta d\theta}{\frac{2}{3}\pi R^3}\\ =\frac{3}{2}R\int_{0}^{\frac{\pi}{2}}\sin^3\theta d\sin\theta\\ =\frac{3}{2}R\int_{0}^1u^3du\\ =\frac{3}{8}R \end{gathered}

Method 2

dm=π(R2x2)dxxc=dmx23πR3=π0R(R2x2)xdx23πR3=π(R22x214x4)0R23πR3=38R\begin{gathered} dm=\pi (R^2-x^2)dx\\ x_c=\frac{\int dmx}{\frac{2}{3}\pi R^3}\\ =\frac{\pi \int_{0}^R (R^2-x^2)xdx}{\frac{2}{3}\pi R^3}\\ =\frac{\pi \left(\frac{R^2}{2}x^2-\frac{1}{4}x^4\right)|_0^R}{\frac{2}{3}\pi R^3}\\ =\frac{3}{8}R \end{gathered}

Balanced stability

Under conservative force, if the potential energy is at an extreme value, it is equilibrium:

  • Potential energy is at a maximum value: unstable equilibrium -Potential energy is at a minimum: stable equilibrium

Explanation: The work done by the conservative force has nothing to do with the path, but is only related to the initial and final positions.

Gravity, gravitation, and electrostatic forces are all conservative forces

Friction is a typical non-conservative force

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The second sufficient condition for the extreme value of the derivative

Theorem content

Let the function f(x)f(x) have a second derivative at the point x0x_0, and f(x0)=0f'(x_0) = 0 (that is, x0x_0 is a stationary point):

  1. If f(x0)<0f''(x_0) < 0, then f(x)f(x) obtains the maximum value at x0x_0.
  2. If f(x0)>0f''(x_0) > 0, then f(x)f(x) obtains the minimum value at x0x_0.
  3. If f(x0)=0f''(x_0) = 0, then the theorem invalid, and it is impossible to determine whether an extreme value has been obtained (the first sufficient condition or a higher-order derivative needs to be used to determine).

Application examples

Find the extreme value of function f(x)=x33xf(x) = x^3 - 3x.

Solution: First find the first derivative: f(x)=3x23f'(x) = 3x^2 - 3

Let f(x)=0f'(x) = 0, the solution to the stationary point is: x1=1,x2=1x_1 = 1, \quad x_2 = -1

Then find the second derivative: f(x)=6xf''(x) = 6x

Substitute the stationary point into the second derivative to judge:

  • For x1=1x_1 = 1: f(1)=6>0f''(1) = 6 > 0 So f(x)f(x) obtains the minimum value at x=1x = 1, and the minimum value is f(1)=2f(1) = -2.
  • For x2=1x_2 = -1: f(1)=6<0f''(-1) = -6 < 0 So f(x)f(x) obtains the maximum value at x=1x = -1, and the maximum value is f(1)=2f(-1) = 2.

Example 5

There is a rubber band with mass mm, stiffness coefficient kk, and original length 2πr02\pi r_0, located on a cone whose angle between the busbar and the vertical line is θ\theta.

(1) Find the equilibrium position

(2) Find the stability of upper and lower disturbances

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(1)

Suppose the height difference from the equilibrium position to the top of the cone is zz, and the extension of the rubber band at equilibrium is xx

x=2π(ztanθr0)Ep=12kx2mgz=2π2k(ztanθr0)2mgz=2π2ktan2θz2(mg+4π2kr0tanθ)z+2π2kr02z0=mg+4π2kr0tanθ4π2ktan2θ\begin{gathered} x=2\pi (z\tan\theta-r_0)\\ E_p=\frac{1}{2}kx^2-mgz\\ =2\pi^2 k(z\tan\theta-r_0)^2-mgz\\ =2\pi^2k\tan^2\theta z^2-(mg+4\pi^2kr_0\tan\theta)z+2\pi^2kr_0^2\\ z_0=\frac{mg+4\pi^2kr_0\tan\theta}{4\pi^2k\tan^2\theta} \end{gathered}

(2)

Ep(z)E_p(z) obtains the minimum value at z=z0z=z_0, so the equilibrium is a stable equilibrium.

Example 6

The radius of the smooth ring is RR. One end of the spring is hung directly above the ring, and the other end is tied to a small ball with mass mm. The ring passes through the small ball. The original length of the spring is 0 and the stiffness coefficient is kk

(1) Find the equilibrium position

(2) Find the stability of equilibrium.

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(1)

Let the angle between the spring and the vertical direction be θ\theta

Ep=12k(2Rcosθ)2+mg(2Rsin2θ)=2kR2cos2θ+2mgR(1cos2θ)=2R(kRmg)cos2θ+2mgRdEpdθ=4R(mgkR)cosθsinθ=0sin2θ=0θ=0 or π2\begin{gathered} E_p=\frac{1}{2}k(2R\cos\theta)^2+mg(2R\sin^2\theta)\\ =2kR^2\cos^2\theta+2mgR(1-\cos^2\theta)\\ =2R(kR-mg)\cos^2\theta+2mgR\\ \frac{dE_p}{d\theta}=4R(mg-kR)\cos\theta\sin\theta=0\\ \rightarrow \sin2\theta=0\\ \theta=0 \text{ or } \frac{\pi}{2} \end{gathered}

The equilibrium positions are point A and point B

(2)

d2Epdθ2=4R(mgkR)cos2θ\begin{gathered} \frac{d^2E_p}{d\theta^2}=4R(mg-kR)\cos2\theta \end{gathered}

If mg<kRmg\lt kR, then when θ=0\theta=0, d2Epdθ2<0\frac{d^2E_p}{d\theta^2}\lt0

It is the potential energy maximum point, and point B is an unstable equilibrium.

When θ=π2\theta=\frac{\pi}{2}, d2Epdθ2>0\frac{d^2E_p}{d\theta^2}\gt0

It is the potential energy minimum point, and point A belongs to stable equilibrium.

mg>kRmg\gt kR, the opposite is true

Small expansion

Example 7

f(x)=xf(x)=\sqrt{x}, estimated f(4.01)f(4.01)

Taylor Expand

Duck Principle: If something looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, and eats meat that tastes like a duck, then it is a duck.

Continuously obtain more information to get closer to the truth

f(x0+x)=f(x0)+f(x0)x+f(x)2!x2+f(x)3!x3+...\boxed{f(x_0+x)=f(x_0)+f'(x_0)x+\frac{f''(x)}{2!}x^2+\frac{f'''(x)}{3!}x^3+...}

Example 8

f(x)=xαf(x)=x^\alpha Expansion near 1:

f(x)=αxα1,f(1)=αf(x)=α(α1)xα2,f(1)=α(α1)...f(1+x)=1+αx+α(α1)2x2+...where x<1\begin{gathered} f'(x)=\alpha x^{\alpha-1},f'(1)=\alpha\\ f''(x)=\alpha(\alpha-1)x^{\alpha-2},f''(1)=\alpha(\alpha-1)\\ ...\\ f(1+x)=1+\alpha x+\frac{\alpha(\alpha-1)}{2}x^2+...\\ \text{where }|x|\lt 1 \end{gathered}

In the same way, other common Taylor expansions are obtained

sinθ=θ13!θ3+15!θ5+...cosθ=112!θ2+14!θ4ex=1+x+12!x2+13!x3+...ln(1+x)=x12x2+13x3...\begin{gathered} \sin\theta=\theta-\frac{1}{3!}\theta^3+\frac{1}{5!}\theta^5+...\\ \cos\theta=1-\frac{1}{2!}\theta^2+\frac{1}{4!}\theta^4\\ e^x=1+x+\frac{1}{2!}x^2+\frac{1}{3!}x^3+...\\ \ln (1+x)=x-\frac{1}{2}x^2+\frac{1}{3}x^3-... \end{gathered}

Example 9

Proof: 1+eiπ=01+e^{i\pi}=0 or eiθ=cosθ+isinθe^{i\theta}=\cos\theta+i\sin\theta, where ii is the imaginary unit.

Bringing iθi\theta into exe^x Taylor expansion is easy to prove.

Example 10

Example: Force on an electric dipole

Known conditions

Coulomb's law:

F=kQqr2F = \frac{kQq}{r^2}

  • If QQ and qq have the same sign, then F>0F > 0 is the repulsive force
  • If QQ and qq have different signs, then F<0F < 0 is gravity

Title

An electric dipole consists of a pair of equal dissimilar charges +q+q and q-q, with a distance of ll.

Request:

(1) The force on the point charge QQ at a distance rr from the center of the dipole on the extended axis of the electric dipole.

Condition: rlr \gg l, reserved to the lowest order epsilon.

(2) The force (decomposed into a radial component FrF_r and a tangential component FθF_\theta) on a point charge QQ at a distance rr from the center of the dipole when the axis of the electric dipole forms an angle θ\theta with the connecting line.

Condition: rlr \gg l, reserved to the lowest order epsilon.

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(1)

F=kQq(rl2)2+kQ(q)(r+l2)2=kQqr2[(1l2r)2(1+l2r)2]kQqr22lr=2kQqlr3\begin{gathered} F=\frac{kQq}{(r-\frac{l}{2})^2}+\frac{kQ(-q)}{(r+\frac{l}{2})^2}\\ =\frac{kQq}{r^2}[(1-\frac{l}{2r})^{-2}-(1+\frac{l}{2r})^{-2}]\\ \approx \frac{kQq}{r^2}{\frac{2l}{r}}\\ =\frac{2kQql}{r^3} \end{gathered}

Among them p=qlp=ql is called dipole moment

(2)

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Fr=F1cosΔθ1F2cosΔθ2=F1(112Δθ12)F2(112Δθ22)=neglect second-order infinitesimalsF1F2=kQqr2+(l2)22rl2cosθkQqr2+(l2)2+2rl2cosθ=kQqr2(11lrcosθ+l24r211+lrcosθ+l24r2)=Taylor expansionkQqr2(2lcosθr)=2kQqlcosθr3\begin{gathered} F_r=F_1\cos\Delta\theta_1-F_2\cos\Delta\theta_2\\ =F_1(1-\frac{1}{2}\Delta\theta_1^2)-F_2(1-\frac{1}{2}\Delta\theta_2^2)\\ \xlongequal{\text{neglect second-order infinitesimals}}F_1-F_2\\ =\frac{kQq}{r^2+(\frac{l}{2})^2-2r\frac{l}{2}\cos\theta}-\frac{kQq}{r^2+(\frac{l}{2})^2+2r\frac{l}{2}\cos\theta}\\ =\frac{kQq}{r^2}(\frac{1}{1-\frac{l}{r}\cos\theta+\frac{l^2}{4r^2}}-\frac{1}{1+\frac{l}{r}\cos\theta+\frac{l^2}{4r^2}})\\ \xlongequal{\text{Taylor expansion}}\frac{kQq}{r^2}(\frac{2l\cos\theta}{r})\\ =\frac{2kQql\cos\theta}{r^3} \end{gathered}

Fθ=kQqlsinθr3\begin{gathered} F_\theta=\frac{kQql\sin\theta}{r^3} \end{gathered}

Example 11

In relativity, the total energy of an object E=mc2E=mc^2

Where mm is the dynamic mass: m=11v2c2m0m=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}m_0

Among them, vv is the speed of the object, cc is the speed of light, and m0m_0 is the static mass

Call E0=m0c2E_0=m_0c^2 static energy, and we have

Ek=EE0\boxed{E_k=E-E_0}

According to classical physics Ek=12mv2E_k=\frac{1}{2}mv^2

Proof: At v<<cv\lt\lt c, EkE_k in the theory of relativity is reduced to kinetic energy in classical physics

Ek=11v2c2m0c2m0c2=m0c2[(1v2c2)121]=retain first-order infinitesimals12m0v2\begin{gathered} E_k=\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}}m_0c^2-m_0c^2\\ =m_0c^2[(1-\frac{v^2}{c^2})^{\frac{-1}{2}}-1]\\ \xlongequal{\text{retain first-order infinitesimals}}\frac{1}{2}m_0v^2 \end{gathered}

Example 12

There is a glass of sugar water, its density ρ(x)\rho(x) is related to depth, ρ(x)=ρ0exl0\rho(x)=\rho_0e^\frac{x}{l_0}

There is a uniform hard rod with density ρ1=1.5ρ0\rho_1=1.5\rho_0, cross-sectional area SS and length l0l_0

When seeking equilibrium, the distance from the top to the water surface (is it above or below the water surface?). m0=ρ1Sl0=1.5ρ0Sl0m_0=\rho_1Sl_0=1.5\rho_0Sl_0 Assuming that the upper end is on the water, the length immersed in the water x0<l0x_0\lt l_0

F=0x0ρ(x)gSdx=ρ0gS0x0exldx=ρ0gSl(ex0l1)\begin{gathered} F=\int_{0}^{x_0}\rho(x)gSdx\\ =\rho_0gS\int_{0}^{x_0}e^\frac{x}{l}dx\\ =\rho_0gSl(e^{\frac{x_0}{l}}-1) \end{gathered}

Request F=m0g=ρ1Sl0=1.5ρ0gSl0F=m_0g=\rho_1Sl_0=1.5\rho_0gSl_0

That is ex0l0=2.5,x0<l0e^\frac{x_0}{l_0}=2.5,x_0\lt l_0, assuming that

Sonnet 4.6 Summary

Summary

This section focuses on the core application of calculus in physical modeling and connects the following main lines:

Center of mass calculation: Through differential integration, the center of gravity positions of the uniform cone (34rcotθ\frac{3}{4}r\cot\theta), hemispherical shell (12R\frac{1}{2}R) and hemisphere (38R\frac{3}{8}R) were solved respectively, and the impact of the selection of slicing method on the integral was experienced.

Balance and Stability: Introduce the potential energy extreme value criterion-minimum potential energy corresponds to stable equilibrium, and maximum potential energy corresponds to unstable equilibrium. Through the two models of the rubber band on the cone and the ring spring ball, this criterion is embodied as a symbolic analysis of the second derivative of EpE_p.

Taylor expansion and small quantity approximation: Master common expansions such as (1+x)α(1+x)^\alpha, sinθ\sin\theta, cosθ\cos\theta, exe^x, ln(1+x)\ln(1+x) and other common expansions, and apply them to:

  • Force on the electric dipole (induced dipole moment p=qlp = ql)
  • Relativistic kinetic energy reduces to 12m0v2\frac{1}{2}m_0v^2 at vcv \ll c
  • Buoyancy equilibrium of hard rods in sugar water with non-uniform density

Core idea: The key to complex problems often lies in selecting appropriate microelements and coordinate systems, and then combining small expansions to retain the main terms, thereby turning tedious precise calculations into concise approximate results.