Solutions for Chapter 11 1

The Chemistry Maths Book

Erich Steiner

University of Exeter

Second Edition 2008

Solutions

Chapter 11 First-order differential equations

11.1 Concepts
11.2 Solution of a differential equation
11.3 Separable equations
11.4 Separable equations in chemical kinetics
11.5 First-order linear equations
11.6 An example of linear equations in chemical kinetics
11.7 Electric circuits

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 2

Section 11.2

State the order of the differential equation and verify that the given function is a solution:

dy
1. − 2 y = 2; y = e2 x − 1
dx
First order.
dy
y = e2 x − 1 → = 2e 2 x
dx

dy
Therefore − 2 y = 2e 2 x − 2( e2 x − 1) = 2
dx

d2y
2. + 4 y = 0; y = A cos 2 x + B sin 2 x
dx 2
Second order.
dy
y = A cos 2 x + B sin 2 x → = −2 A sin 2 x + 2 B cos 2 x
dx
d 2y
→ = −4 A cos 2 x − 4 B sin 2 x = −4 y
dx 2

d2y
Therefore + 4y = 0
dx 2

d3y
3. = 12; y = 2 x3 + 3 x 2 + 4 x + 5
dx3
Third order.
dy
y = 2 x3 + 3 x 2 + 4 x + 5 → = 6x2 + 6 x + 4
dx
d 2y
→ = 12 x + 6
dx 2

d3y
Therefore = 12
dx3

dy 3 y x3 c
4. + = 3x 2 ; y= +
dx x 2 x3
First order

x3 c dy 3 x 2 3c
y= + 3 → = − 4
2 x dx 2 x

dy 3 y 3x 2 3c 3 ⎛ x3 c ⎞ 3x2 3c 3 x 2 3c
Therefore + = − 4 + ⎜⎜ + 3 ⎟⎟ = − 4 + + 4
dx x 2 x x⎝ 2 x ⎠ 2 x 2 x

= 3x 2

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 3

Find the general solution of the differential equation:

dy
5. = x2
dx

∫ ∫
dy 1 3
Integrate: dx = x 2 dx → y = x +c
dx 3

dy
6. = e−3x
dx

∫ ∫
dy 1
Integrate: dx = e −3 x dx → y = − e −3 x + c
dx 3

d2y
7. = cos 3x
dx 2

d2y
∫ dx ∫
dy 1
Integrate twice: 2
dx = cos 3x dx → = sin 3 x + a
dx 3

∫ ∫
dy ⎡1 ⎤ 1
dx = ⎢ 3 sin 3 x + a ⎥ dx → y = − 9 cos 3x + ax + b
dx ⎣ ⎦

d3y
8. = 24 x
dx3

Integrate three times:

d3y d2y
∫ dx 3
dx =
∫ 24 x dx →
dx 2
= 12 x 2 + a

d2y
∫ dx dx = ∫ ⎡⎣12x + a⎤⎦ dx 2 dy
2
→ = 4 x3 + ax + b
dx

∫ dx dx = ∫ ⎡⎣4x + ax + b⎤⎦ dx
dy 3
→ y = x 4 + a ′x 2 + bx + c (a ′ = a 2)

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 4

9. A body moves along the x direction under the influence of the force F (t ) = cos 2π t , where t is the
time. (i) Write down the equation of motion. (ii) Find the solution that satisfies the initial
conditions x(0) = 0 and x (0) = 1.

(i) By Newton’s second law of motion, for a body of mass m,

d 2x
F (t ) = m = cos 2π t
dt 2

(ii) Integrating twice with respect to time t,

d 2x
∫ dt ∫
1 dx 1
2
dt = cos 2π t dt → = sin 2π t + a
m dt 2π m

∫ ∫
dx ⎡ 1 ⎤ 1
dt = ⎢ sin 2π t + a ⎥ dt → x(t ) = − 2 cos 2π t + at + b
dt ⎣ 2π m ⎦ 4π m

By the initial conditions:

1 1
x(0) = 0 = − 2
+b → b =
4π m 4π 2 m

⎛ dx ⎞
x (0) = ⎜ ⎟ = 1 = a
⎝ dt ⎠t =0

1
Therefore x(t ) = (1 − cos 2πt ) + t
4π 2 m

Verify that the given function is a solution of the differential equation, and determine the particular
solution for the given initial condition:

dy
10. x = 2 y; y = cx 2 ; y = 24 when x = 2
dx

dy dy
y = cx 2 → = 2cx → x = 2cx 2 = 2 y
dx dx

The initial condition is y = 24 when x = 2 .

Therefore 24 = 4c → c = 6

and y = 6x2

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 5

dy 2
11. + 2 xy = 0; y = ce − x ; y = 2 when x = 2
dx

2 dy 2 dy 2
y = ce − x → = −2cxe− x = −2 xy → + 2cxe− x = 0
dx dx

The initial condition is y = 2 when x = 2 .

Therefore 2 = ce −4 → c = 2e4

2
and y = 2e 4− x

dy
12. + 2 y + 2 = 0; y = ce−2 x − 1; y (0) = 4
dx

dy dy
y = ce −2 x − 1 → = −2ce −2 x = −2( y + 1) → + 2y + 2 = 0
dx dx

The initial condition is y = 4 when x = 0 .

Therefore 4 = c −1 → c = 5

and y = 5e −2 x − 1

Section 11.3

Find the general solution of the differential equation:

dy 3x 2
13. = : Put y dy = 3 x 2 dx .
dx y

∫ y dy = ∫ 3x dx 2 1 2
Then → y = x3 + c′
2

and y 2 = 2 x3 + c

dy dy
14. = 4 xy 2 : Put 2 = 4 x dx
dx y

∫y ∫
dy 1
Then 2
= 4 x dx → − = 2 x2 + c
y

−1
and y=
2 x2 + c

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 6

dy dy
15. = 3 x 2 y : Put = 3x 2 dx .
dx y

∫ y = ∫ 3x dx
dy 2
Then → ln y = x3 + c

3 3
+c
and y = ex = ae x ( a = ec )

dy
16. y 2 = e x : Put y 2 dy = e x dx .
dx

∫ ∫
1 3
Then y 2 dy = e x dx → y = e x + c′
3

and y 3 = 3e x + c (c = 3c ′)

dy
17. = y ( y − 1)
dx

∫ ∫ dx = x + c
dy dy
We have = dx → =
y ( y − 1) y ( y − 1)

∫ y( y −1) dy = ∫ ⎢⎣ ( y −1) − y ⎥⎦ dy = ln( y −1) − ln y = ln ⎜⎝

1 ⎡ 1 1⎤ ⎛ y − 1⎞
Now ⎟
y ⎠

⎛ y −1 ⎞ y −1
Therefore ln ⎜ ⎟ = x+c → = ae x
⎝ y ⎠ y

Then, solving for y,

y −1 1
=a → y=
y 1 − ae x

dy y dy dx
18. = : Put =
dx x y x

∫ ∫
dy dx y
Then = → ln y = ln x + a → ln = a
y x x

y
and = ea = c → y = cx
x

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 7

Solve the initial value problems:

dy y + 2
19. = ; y (0) = 1
dx x − 3
Separation of variables and integration gives

∫ ∫
dy dx dy dx
= → = → ln( y + 2) = ln( x − 3) + c
y + 2 x−3 y+2 x −3

Then, putting, c = ln a ,

ln( y + 2) = ln a ( x − 3) → y + 2 = a ( x − 3)

The initial condition is y = 1 when x = 0 .

Therefore 3 = −3a → a = −1

and y = 1− x

dy x 2 − 1
20. = ; y (0) = −1
dx 2 y + 1

Separation of variables and integration gives

∫ ∫
1 3
(2 y + 1) dy = ( x 2 − 1) dx → y 2 + y = x −x+c
3

The initial condition is y = −1 when x = 0 . Then c = 0

1 3
and y2 + y = x −x
3

dy y ( y + 1)
21. = ; y (2) = 1
dx x( x − 1)

∫ ∫
dy dx
We have =
y ( y + 1) x( x − 1)

and, by the method of partial fractions,

⎡1 1 ⎤
∫ ∫
⎡ 1 1⎤ y ⎛ x −1 ⎞
⎢ − ⎥ dy = ⎢ x − 1 − x ⎥ dx → ln y + 1 = ln a ⎜ x ⎟
⎣ y y + 1⎦ ⎣ ⎦ ⎝ ⎠

y ⎛ x −1 ⎞
Then = a⎜ ⎟.
y +1 ⎝ x ⎠

The initial condition is y = 1 when x = 2. . Then a = 1

y x −1
and = → xy = xy − y + x − 1 → y = x − 1
y +1 x

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 8

dy
22. = ex+ y ; y (0) = 0
dx

Separation of variables and integration gives

e − y dy = e x dx →
∫e −y
dy =
∫ e dx
x

→ − e− y = e x + c

The initial condition is y = 0 when x = 0 .

Then − e − y = e x + c → − 1 = 1 + c → c = −2

Therefore e− y = 2 − e x

and, taking the log of each side,

y = − ln(2 − e x )

Solve the initial value problems:

dy x + y
23. = ; y (1) = 2
dx x

Let u=y x

dy x + y y
Then = = 1+ → 1 + u = f (u )
dx x x

The general solution is given by equation (11.19),

∫ f (u) − u = ln x + c
du

∫ ∫
du y
The left side is = du = u =
f (u ) − u x

y
Therefore = ln x + c → y = x (ln x + c)
x

The initial condition, y = 2 when x = 1 , gives c = 2 . The particular solution of the differential

equation is therefore

y = x (ln x + 2)

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 9

dy
24. 2 xy = −( x 2 + y 2 ); y (1) = 0
dx

dy dy ( x2 + y2 ) 1⎛ x y⎞
We have 2 xy = −( x 2 + y 2 ) → =− =− ⎜ + ⎟
dx dx 2 xy 2⎝ y x ⎠

Let u=y x

dy 1⎛1 ⎞ 1⎛ 1⎞
Then = − ⎜ + u ⎟ = f (u ); f (u ) − u = − ⎜ 3u + ⎟
dx 2⎝u ⎠ 2⎝ u⎠

By equation (11.19), the general solution is

∫ f (u) − u = ln x + c
du

∫ ∫ ∫
du du udu 1
The left side is = −2 =2 = − ln(3u 2 + 1)
f (u ) − u 3u + 1 u 2
3u + 1 3

1 ⎛ 3y 2 ⎞
Therefore − ln ⎜ 2 + 1⎟ = ln x + c → ln(3 y 2 + x 2 ) = − ln ax ( ln a = 3c)
3 ⎜⎝ x ⎟
⎠

and the general solution of the differential equation is

1 1 1⎡ 1 ⎤
ln(3 y 2 + x 2 ) = ln → 3 y 2 + x2 = → y2 = ⎢ − x2 ⎥
ax ax 3 ⎣ ax ⎦

The initial condition, y = 0 when x = 1 , gives a = 1 . The particular solution of the homogeneous

differential equation is therefore

1 ⎡1 ⎤
y 2 = ⎢ − x2 ⎥
3⎣x ⎦

dy
25. xy 3 = x4 + y4 ; y (2) = 0
dx

dy dy x3 y 1 y
We have xy 3 = x4 + y 4 → = 3 + = 3 + u = f (u ) where u =
dx dx y x u x

∫ f (u) − u = ∫ u du = 4u
du 3 1 4
Then

and the general solution of the differential equation is

y4
= ln x + c
4x4

The initial condition, y = 0 when x = 2 , gives c = − ln 2 .

x
Therefore y 4 = 4 x 4 ln
2

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 10

26. Show that a differential equation of the form

dy
= f (ax + by + c)
dx
is reduced to separable form by means of the substitution u = ax + by .

Let u = ax + by

du dy
Then = a+b = a + f (u + c)
dx dx

Therefore, by separation of variables,

∫ a + f (u + c) = x + c
du du
= dx →
a + f (u + c)

Use the method of Exercise 26 to find the general solution:

dy
27. = 2x + y + 3
dx

Let u = 2x + y

du dy
Then = 2+ = u +5
dx dx

Then, by separation of variables,

∫ u + 5 = ∫ dx
du
→ ln (u + 5) = x + c → u + 5 = e x + c = ae x ( a = ec )

Therefore y = ae x − 2 x − 5

dy x− y
28. =
dx x − y + 2

Let u = x− y

du dy x− y u 2
Then = 1− = 1− = 1− =
dx dx x− y + 2 u+2 u+2

Then, by separation of variables,

1 ⎛ u2 ⎞
∫ ∫
1
(u + 2) du = dx → ⎜ + 2u ⎟⎟ = x + c
⎜
2 2⎝ 2 ⎠

1 ⎛ ( x − y)2 ⎞
and ⎜⎜ + 2( x − y ) ⎟⎟ = x + c → ( x − y )2 − 4 y = a ( a = 4c )
2⎝ 2 ⎠

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 11

Section 11.4

29. Find the interval τ1 n in which the amount of reactant in a first-order decay process is reduced by

factor n.

As for the half-life (n = 2) ,

1
x(t + τ1 n ) = x(t )
n

and, for first-order exponential decay,

x(t ) = ae− kt
− k (t +τ1 n ) − kτ1 n
x(t + τ1 n ) = ae = ae− kt × e
− kτ1 n
=e x(t )

1 − kτ 1
Then = e 1n → ln = −kττ1 n → ln n = kττ1 n
n n

ln n
and τ1 n =
k

30. Solve the initial value problem for the nth-order kinetic process A → products
dx
= −kx n x(0) = a (n > 1)
dt

By separation of variables and integration,

∫ x = k ∫ dt
dx 1
− → = kt + c
n
(n − 1) x n −1

1
The initial condition, x = a when t = 0 , gives c =
(n − 1)a n −1

1 1
Therefore n −1
− n −1
= (n − 1)kt
x a

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 12

31. The reversible reaction A U B, first-order in both directions, has rate equation

dx
= k1 (a − x) − k−1 x
dt
Find x(t ) for initial condition x(0) = 0 .

dx
We have = k1 (a − x) − k−1 x = k1a − (k1 + k−1 ) x
dt

Then, by separation of variables and integration,

∫ ∫
dx −1
= dt → ln ⎡ k1a − (k1 + k−1 ) x ⎤⎦ = t + c
k1a − (k1 + k−1 ) x k1 + k−1 ⎣

−1
The initial condition, x = 0 when t = 0 gives c = ln ⎡ k1a ⎤ .
k1 + k−1 ⎣ ⎦

⎡ k1a ⎤ k1a
Therefore ln ⎢ ⎥ = (k1 + k−1 )t → = e( k1 + k−1 )t
⎣⎢ k1a − (k1 + k−1 ) x ⎦⎥ k1a − (k1 + k−1 ) x

k1a ⎡
and x= 1 − e( k1 + k−1 )t ⎤
k1 + k−1 ⎣ ⎦

32. A third-order process A + 2B → products has rate equation

dx
= k (a − x) (b − 2 x) 2
dt
where a and b are the initial amounts of A and B, respectively. Show that the solution that satisfies
the initial condition x(0) = 0 is given by

1 a (b − 2 x) 2x
kt = ln +
(2a − b) 2
b(a − x) b(2a − b) (b − 2 x)

Separation of variables and integration gives

∫ (a − x) (b − 2x) = k ∫ dt = kt + c
dx
2

Now, by the method of partial fractions,

1 1 ⎡ 1 2 2(2a − b) ⎤
= ⎢ − + ⎥
(a − x) (b − 2 x) 2
(2a − b) ⎢⎣ (a − x) b − 2 x (b − 2 x) 2 ⎥⎦
2

⎡ 1 2(2a − b) ⎤
∫ (a − x) (b − 2x) ∫
dx 1 2
Therefore = ⎢ − + ⎥ dx
⎣⎢ (a − x) b − 2 x (b − 2 x ) ⎦⎥
2 2 2
(2a − b)

1 ⎡ 2a − b ⎤
= ⎢ − ln(a − x) + ln(b − 2 x) + b − 2 x ⎥ = kt + c
2
(2a − b) ⎣ ⎦

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 13

The initial condition, x = 0 when t = 0 , gives

1⎡ 2a − b ⎤ 1 b 1
c= ⎢ − ln a + ln b + b ⎥ = ln +
(2a − b) ⎣ 2
⎦ (2a − b)
2
a b(2a − b)

1 ⎡ a(b − 2 x) ⎤ 2x
Therefore kt = ⎢ ln ⎥+
(2a − b) ⎣ b(a − x) ⎦ b(2a − b)(b − 2 x)
2

Section 11.5

Find the general solution:

dy
33. + 2y = 4
dx

The linear differential equation has the form (11.47) with p( x) = 2, r ( x) = 4 . Then

∫ p( x) dx = 2 x , and the integrating factor is

F ( x) = e ∫
p ( x ) dx
= e2 x

Then, by formula ,

e2 x y = 4
∫e 2x
dx + c = 2e 2 x + c

and y = 2 + ce −2 x

dy
34. − 4 xy = x
dx

We have p( x) = −4 x, r ( x) = x , and integrating factor F ( x ) = e ∫

−4 x dx 2
= e −2 x .

Therefore, by formula ,

∫e
2
−2 x 2 1 2
e −2 x y = x dx + c = − e −2 x + c
4

2 1
and y = ce 2 x −
4

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 14

dy
35. + 3 y = e−3 x
dx

We have p( x) = 3, r ( x) = e −3 x , and integrating factor F ( x ) = e ∫

3 dx
= e3 x .

Then, by formula ,

e3 x y =
∫e 3x
× e−3 x dx =
∫ dx = x + c
and y = e −3 x ( x + c)

dy 2 y
36. + = 2 cos x
dx x

∫ ∫
dx
We have p( x) = 2 x , r ( x) = 2 cos x . Then p ( x) dx = 2 = 2 ln x = ln x 2 and the integrating
x

factor is F ( x ) = e ∫
p ( x ) dx 2
= eln x = x 2 . Then, by formula ,

x2 y = 2
∫ x cos x dx + c
2

and integration by parts, as in Example 6.11, gives

x 2 y = 2 ⎡ x 2 sin x + 2 x cos x − 2sin x + c ⎤

⎣ ⎦
2 ⎡ 2
y= x sin x + 2 x cos x − 2sin x + c ⎤
x2 ⎣ ⎦

dy y 4
37. − =
dx x 2 x 2

p( x) = − 1 x 2 , r ( x) = 4 x 2 ,

and the integrating factor is F ( x) = e ∫

p dx
= e1 x . Then, by formula ,

∫e
1
e1 x y = 4 1x
× dx + c
x2

1 1
Let u= , du = − 2 dx .
x x

∫e ∫ e du + c = −4e + c = −4e
1
Then e1 x y = 4 1x
× 2
dx + c = −4 u u 1x
+c
x

and e1 x y = −4e1 x + c → y = ce −1 x − 4

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 15

dy
38. + (2 tan x) y = sin x
dx

We have p( x) = 2 tan x, r ( x) = sin x .

Then
∫ p(x) dx = 2∫ tan x dx = −2 ln(cos x) = ln(1 cos x) 2

2 1
and the integrating factor is F ( x) = eln(1 cos x)
= .
cos 2 x

∫ cos x × sin x dx + c = cos x + c

1 1 1
Then y=
cos 2 x 2

and y = cos x + c cos 2 x

dy
39. + ax n y = bx n , (n ≠ −1)
dx

We have p( x) = ax n , r ( x) = bx n , and

n+1 ( n +1)
F ( x) = e ∫
ax n dx
= eax .

∫
n+1 ( n +1) n+1 ( n +1)
Then e ax y= e ax × bx n dx + c

Let t = x n +1 (n + 1) , dt = x n .

∫e
n+1 ( n +1) b at b n+1
Then eax y=b at
dt + c = e + c = eax ( n +1) + c
a a

b n+1
and y= + ce− ax ( n +1)
a

dy y
40. + a = xn
dx x

We have p( x) = a x , r ( x) = x n , and integrating factor F ( x) = e ∫

a x dx
= e a ln x = x a .

x a + n +1
Then xa y =
∫ x a × x n dx + c =
a + n +1
+c

x n +1
and y= + cx − a
a + n +1

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 16

Section 11.6

k k k
41. The system of three consecutive first-order processes A ⎯⎯
1
→ B ⎯⎯
2
→ C ⎯⎯
3
→ D is modelled
by the set of equations
d (a − x) dy dz
= −k1 (a − x ), = k1 (a − x) − k2 y, = k2 y − k3 z
dt dt dt
where (a − x), y, and z are the amounts of A, B, and C, respectively, at time t. Given the initial
conditions x = y = z = 0 at t = 0 , find the amount of C as a function of t. Assume

k1 ≠ k2 , k1 ≠ k3 , k2 ≠ k3 .

For the first-order step A → B ,

d (a − x)
= −k1 (a − x)
dt

Separation of variables and integration gives

∫ ∫
d (a − x)
= − k1 dt → ln(a − x) = −k1t + c → a − x = Ae− k1t ( A = ec )
(a − x)

The initial condition for this step is x = 0 when t = 0 . Therefore A = a and

a − x = ae− k1t (equation 1)

For step B → C , making use of equation 1 above,

dy dy
= k1 (a − x) − k2 y = ak1e − k1t − k2 y → + k2 y = ak1e− k1t
dt dt

We have a linear equation with p(t ) = k2 , r (t ) = ak1e − k1t and integrating factor

F (t ) = e ∫
k2 dt
= e k2 t .

∫e ∫
ak1 ( k2 − k1 )t
Then e k2 t y = k2 t
× ak1e− k1t dt = ak1 e( k2 − k1 )t dt = e +c
k2 − k1

ak1 − k1t
and y= e + ce− k2t
k2 − k1

ak1
The initial condition for this step is y = 0 when t = 0 . Therefore c = − and
k2 − k1

ak1
y= ⎡e − k1t − e − k2t ⎤ (equation 2)
k2 − k1 ⎣ ⎦

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 17

For step C → D , making use of equation 2,

dz dz ak k
= k 2 y − k3 z → + k3 z = k2 y = 1 2 ⎡⎣e − k1t − e− k2t ⎤⎦
dt dt k2 − k1

ak1k2 − k1t
This is a linear equation with p(t ) = k3 , r (t ) = ⎡e − e − k2t ⎤ and integrating factor e k3t .
k2 − k1 ⎣ ⎦

ak k ⎡ ( k3 − k1 )t e( k3 − k2 )t ⎤
∫
ak1k2
Then e k3t z = ⎡e( k3 − k1 )t − e( k3 − k2 )t ⎤ dt = 1 2 ⎢ e − ⎥+c
k2 − k1 ⎣ ⎦ k2 − k1 ⎢⎣ k3 − k1 k3 − k2 ⎥⎦

ak1k2 ⎡ e − k1 e − k 2t ⎤ −k t
and z= ⎢ − ⎥ + ce 3
k2 − k1 ⎣⎢ k3 − k1 k3 − k2 ⎦⎥

ak1k2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤
The initial condition for this step is z = 0 when t = 0 . Therefore c = − ⎢ − ⎥,
k2 − k1 ⎣ k3 − k1 k3 − k2 ⎦

and
the amount of substance C at time t is

ak1k2 ⎡ e − k1t − e − k3t e − k2t − e− k3t ⎤

z= ⎢ − ⎥
k2 − k1 ⎢⎣ k3 − k1 k3 − k2 ⎥⎦

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 18

k k
42. The first-order process A ⎯⎯
1
→ B is followed by the parallel first-order processes B ⎯⎯
2
→C
k
and B ⎯⎯
3
→ D, and the system is modelled by the equations

d (a − x) dy
= −k1 (a − x), = k1 (a − x) − (k2 + k3 ) y,
dt dt
dz du
= k 2 y, = k3 y
dt dt
where (a − x), y, z and u are the amounts of A, B, C, and D, respectively, at time t. Given the

initial conditions x = y = z = u = 0 at t = 0 find the amount of C as a function of time.

k2 C
k1 z
A B
a−x y
k3 D
u

A → B : as in Exercise 41.

d (a − x)
= −k1 (a − x) → a − x = ae− k1t
dt

B → C + D : as in Exercise 41, but with k2 replaced by k2 + k3 .

dy ak1
= k1 (a − x) − (k2 + k3 ) y → y = ⎡ e− k1t − e− ( k2 + k3 )t ⎤
dt k2 + k3 − k1 ⎣ ⎦

B→D:

dz ak1k2
= k2 y = ⎡e − k1t − e−( k2 + k3 )t ⎤
dt k2 + k3 − k1 ⎣ ⎦

Integration with respect to t gives

ak1k2 ⎡ e − k1t e −( k2 + k3 )t ⎤
z= ⎢− + ⎥+c
k2 + k3 − k1 ⎣⎢ k1 k2 + k3 ⎦⎥

ak1k2 ⎡ 1 1 ⎤
The initial condition, z = 0 when t = 0 , gives c= ⎢ − ⎥ . The amount of
k2 + k3 − k1 ⎣ k1 k2 + k3 ⎦

substance C at time t is therefore,

ak1k2 ⎡1 − e − k1t 1 − e −( k2 + k3 )t ⎤
z= ⎢ − ⎥
k2 + k3 − k1 ⎢⎣ k1 k2 + k3 ⎥⎦

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 19

Section 11.7

43. The current in an RL–circuit containing one resistor and one inductor is given by the equation
dI
L + RI = E
dt
Solve the equation for a periodic e.m.f. E (t ) = E0 sin ωt , with initial condition I (0) = 0 .

This is the problem discussed in Example 11.7, but with a periodic e.m.f. Thus, by equation (11.66),
the solution of the linear differential equation is

∫e
⎡ E ⎤
I (t ) = e− Rt /L ⎢ Rt /L
dt + c ⎥
⎣ L ⎦

and, inserting E = E0 sin ωt ,

∫
⎡E ⎤
I (t ) = e− Rt /L ⎢ 0 e Rt /L sin ωtdt + c ⎥
⎣ L ⎦

The integral is evaluated by parts, as described in Example 6.13. Let a = R /L and b = ω , then
(see also Exercises 49 and 50 in Chapter 6)

∫e ∫e
1 at b
at
sin bt dt = e sin bt − at
cos bt dt
a a
b2
∫e
1 at b
= e sin bt − 2 eat cos bt − 2 at
sin bt dt
a a a

Solving for
∫e at
sin bt dt ,

∫
eat
e at sin bt dt = ⎡⎣ a sin bt − b cos bt ⎤⎦ .
a2 + b2

∫
⎡E ⎤
Then I (t ) = e− Rt /L ⎢ 0 e Rt /L sin ωtdt + c ⎥
⎣ L ⎦

⎧⎪ e Rt /L E0 L ⎡R ⎤ ⎫⎪
= e− Rt /L ⎨ 2 2 2 ⎢ L sin ωt − ω cos ωt ⎥ + c ⎬
⎩⎪ R + ω L ⎣ ⎦ ⎭⎪

E0ω L
The initial condition, I = 0 when t = 0 , gives c = .
R + ω 2 L2
2

E0 ⎡ω Le− Rt /L + R sin ωt − ω L cos ωt ⎤

Therefore I (t ) =
R + ω 2 L2 ⎣
2 ⎦

© E Steiner 2008
Solutions for Chapter 11 20

44. Show that the current in an RC–circuit containing one resistor and one capacitor is given by the
equation
dI I dE
R + =
dt C dt
Solve the equation for (i) a constant e.m.f., E = E0 , (ii) a periodic e.m.f., E (t ) = E0 sin ωt .

By Kirchoff’s law and equations (11.62) and (11.64),

Q
RI + =E
C

dQ
Then, because =I
dt

dI 1 dQ dE dI I dE
we have R + = → R + =
dt C dt dt dt C dt

dE
(i) For constant e.m.f., = 0 and the differential equation is separable. Thus
dt

∫ I = − RC ∫ dt
dI I dI 1 t
R + =0 → → ln I = − +c
dt C RC

Therefore I = I 0 e −t RC
, where I 0 is the current at time t = 0 .

dE
(ii) We have E = E0 sin ωt → = E0ω cos ωt .
dt

dI I Eω
Then + = 0 cos ωt
dt RC R

E0ω
is a linear equation with p = 1 RC , r = cos ωt and integrating factor F (t ) = et RC
.
R

⎧ E0ω
∫e
⎫
Then I (t ) = e−t RC
⎨
t RC
cos ωt dt + c ⎬
⎩ R ⎭

The integral is evaluated by parts, as in Exercise 43 above and Exercise 50 in Chapter 6:

∫
eat
eat cos bt dt = ⎡⎣ a cos bt + b sin bt ⎤⎦
a 2 + b2

where a = 1 RC and b = ω . Therefore

∫
RCe t RC
et RC
cos ωt dt = ⎡⎣ cos ωt + ω RC sin ωt ⎤⎦
q + (ω RC )2

ω E0C
and I (t ) = ⎡⎣cos ωt + ω RC sin ωt ⎤⎦ + ce−t RC
1 + (ω RC ) 2

© E Steiner 2008