PHYSICS 312
Problem set 2
Given January 19 2000
Due January 28 2000

Problem 1: (from 1999 Midterm review problem set)
In a heat conduction problem the steady state temperature T_S satisfies the differential equation

$$\frac{d^2T_S}{dx^2}=h(T_S-T_0)$$

with boundary conditions

T_S(0)=T_S(a)=0

find T_S.

Problem 2: The rate of evaporation from a spherical drop (with constant density) is proportional to its surface area. Define a parameter $\lambda$ to describe this proportionality and find a formula for the radius of the drop as a function of time.



Problem 3:
Solve numerically the differential equation

$$\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}+y^3=0$$

with initial condition $y(0)=0, \frac{dy(0)}{dt}=1$ in the range 0<t<10 and plot the result!

Return to title page.