UNIT APPLICATIONS OF 1ST ORDER

3 DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
LESSONS COVERED

3.1 Earth’s Escape Velocity

3.2 Newton’s Law of Cooling
3.3 Chemical Conversion
3.4 Mixing (non-reacting fluids)
3.5 Electric Circuits

DURATION

6 hours

INTRODUCTION

This module will discuss the applications of 1 st order differential equations. In this
module, the theory of differential equations along with its principles will be applied to
real-world problems.
This module is intended to provide the learner the capacity to use differential
equations in solving problems in population, Newton’s Law of Cooling, mixture
problems, and electrical circuits.
OBJECTIVES/COMPETENCIES

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Apply the theory of differential equations to model real-world problems.

2. Identify the appropriate tools and techniques to deal with unknown situations.
3. Analyze real-world problems in fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Economics,
Engineering, and Physics, including problems related to population dynamics,
mixtures, growth and decay, heating and cooling, and electronic circuits.
PREREQUISITE TEST

This prerequisite test is intended to measure the learner’s familiarity with the topics
necessary for the completion of this module. Please answer honestly as this will
determine the learner’s readiness to the content of this module. Calculators are not
allowed. If there are any problems you cannot solve, please consider reviewing the
required topics before proceeding with the module.
1. A parameter 𝑗 is directly proportional to 𝑑 and is inversely proportional to v.
Based from this statement, formulate an equation that will describe 𝑣 as a
function of 𝑑 and 𝑗.
2. Express 𝑝 as a function of 𝑞 and 𝑟.
𝑝𝑞 −1 − 4𝑞 2
𝑟=√
𝑟+3

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 1

3. Every hour, two persons enters a room, while three leaves. Initially, there are
50 people in the room. Express the number of people in the room as a
function of time.
4. Find the current at flowing in the circuit

5. From the circuit above, what is the voltage at R1?

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 2

PRETEST

This diagnostic test is intended to determine the level of knowledge a learner has with
regards to the topics that will be discussed in this module. Encircle your answer.

1. An object falling on Mars accelerates at 3.71 𝑚/𝑠 2 . If the radius of Mars is

3,389.5 𝑘𝑚, what is its escape velocity?
a. 5014.99 𝑚/𝑠 c. 158.99 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
b. 158.99 𝑚/𝑠 d. 5014.99 𝑘𝑚/𝑠

2. The acceleration due to gravity on the moon is 1.62 𝑚/𝑠 2 . If a man on the
moon will throw a rock and wishes for it to escape the moon’s gravity, what
should be its initial velocity? The diameter of the moon is 3474.2 𝑘𝑚.
a. 3355.6 𝑚/𝑠 c. 3355.6 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
b. 2372.38 𝑚/𝑠 d. 2372.38 𝑘𝑚/𝑠

3. According to Newton’s law of cooling, the rate at which a substance cools in

air is directly proportional to the difference between the temperatures of the
substance and that of air. If the temperature of the air is 30° and the
substance cools from 100° to 70° in 15 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠, how long will it take to cool
100° to 50°?
a. 43.60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 c. 33.59 𝑚𝑖𝑛
b. 35.39 𝑚𝑖𝑛 d. 45.30 𝑚𝑖𝑛

4. In a tank are 100 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 of brine containing 50 𝑘𝑔. total of dissolved salt. Pure
water is allowed to run into the tank at the rate of 3 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. Brine runs
out of the tank at the rate of 2 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. The instantaneous
concentration in the tank is kept uniform by stirring. How much salt is in the
tank at the end of one hour?

a. 15.3 𝑘𝑔 c. 21.1 𝑘𝑔
b. 19.3 𝑘𝑔 d. 16.3 𝑘𝑔
5. The population of a country doubles in 50 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠. How many years will it be
five times as much? Assume that the rate of increase is proportional to the
number inhabitants.

a. 116 years c. 160 years

b. 106 years d. 100 years
6. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the amount at any instant. In
100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, 100 𝑚𝑔 of radium decomposes to 96 𝑚g. How many mg will be left
after another 100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠?

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 3

 a. 82.17 mg c. 32.26 mg
b. 52.26 mg d. 92.16 mg
7. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the amount present. If the half
of the original amount disappears after 1000 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, what is the percentage
lost in 100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠?
a. 9.74 % c. 2.98 %
b. 4.34 % d. 6.70 %
8. A tank initially holds 100 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 of salt solution in which 50 𝑙𝑏𝑠 of salt has
been dissolved. A pipe fills the tank with brine at the rate of 3 𝑔𝑝𝑚, containing
2 𝑙𝑏𝑠 of dissolved salt per gallon. Assuming that the mixture is kept uniform by
stirring, a drain pipe draws out of the tank the mixture at 2 𝑔𝑝𝑚. Find the
amount of salt in the tank at the end of 30 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠.
a. 121.24 𝑙𝑏𝑠 c. 171.24 𝑙𝑏𝑠
b. 105.23 𝑙𝑏𝑠 d. 211.54 𝑙𝑏𝑠
9. An RL circuit has an emf of 50 𝑉, a resistance of 500 𝛺, an inductance of
15 𝐻, and no initial current. Find the time at which the current in the circuit is
36% of its final value.
a. 13.39 𝑚𝑠 c. 13.39 𝑢𝑠
b. 12.48 𝑚𝑠 d. 12.48 𝑢𝑠
10. A series RC circuit with 𝑅 = 5 𝛺 and 𝐶 = 0.2 F is connected with a battery
of 𝐸 = 100 𝑉. After 3 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠, what percentage of the current is left flowing on
the circuit?

a. 5% c. 10%
b. 2% d. 13.5%

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 4

LESSON 3.0: APPLICATIONS OF 1ST ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

In the previous module, the techniques to solve for differential equations of order one
was thoroughly discussed. This is in preparation for the application of these techniques
to model real-world phenomena. Extensive knowledge in first order differential
equations is important since many physical problems can be represented as such.
In this chapter, the use of differential equation for derivation different formulas will be
discussed, along with problems where differential equations is a part of the solving
process.
LESSON 3.1: ESCAPE VELOCITY FROM EARTH

An equation relating the escape velocity of the earth to its parameters can be derived
using differential equations. In order to do so, we need to be familiar with Newton’s
Universal Law of Gravitation, Newton’s Second Law of Motion, and differential
equations.

By Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation, it is stated that

𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
𝐹=
𝑟2
where:
𝐹 = force of attraction between two heavenly bodies in Newtons (𝑁)
𝑚3
𝐺 = the universal gravitational constant 6.674 × 10−11 𝑠2 𝑘𝑔

𝑚1 , 𝑚2 = respective masses in kilograms (𝑘𝑔)

𝑟 = distance between centers of the object’s masses in meters (𝑚)
If we apply this equation to an object escaping the gravitational pull of the earth, then
let 𝑚1 be the mass of the object and 𝑚2 be the mass of earth. 𝑟 is the distance of the
object to the earth at any given time.
According to Newton’s Second Law of Motion,
𝐹 = 𝑚𝑎
where:
𝐹 = force in Newtons (𝑁)

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 5

𝑚 = mass of the object in kilograms (𝑘𝑔)
𝑎 = acceleration in meters per square second (𝑚/𝑠2)
Considering the object escaping the earth’s gravity, the force exerted by the object is
equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. This force is also equal to the force by
which the object is exerting against the earth’s gravity.
Thus, equating the two equations
𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
= 𝑚1 𝑎
𝑟2
𝐺𝑚2
𝑎=
𝑟2
Since 𝐺 and 𝑚1 are constants, we can express them as a another constant 𝑘. Thus,
𝑘
(1) 𝑎 = 𝑟2

If the object is at the surface of the earth, then 𝑟 is equal to the radius of the earth 𝑅,
and the acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity 𝑔.
Note that 𝑔 is negative because the object being pulled towards the center of the
earth, opposite to its intended direction. Substituting the values to the equation
When 𝑟 = 𝑅 and 𝑎 = −𝑔
𝑘
−𝑔 =
𝑅2
𝑘 = −𝑔𝑅 2
Substituting the 𝑘 to the (1)
𝑔𝑅 2
(2) 𝑎=− 𝑟2

Acceleration is defined as the velocity of an object at any given time 𝑡. By the concept
of differential equation, we can express acceleration using the two parameters velocity
and time. Note if an object is accelerating, then its velocity changes as time passes
by. Thus, a change in time will also reflect a change on the velocity of the
accelerating object. Therefore we can express acceleration as
𝑑𝑣
𝑎=
𝑑𝑡
This expression states that an infinitesimal change in 𝑡 (i.e. 𝑑𝑡) will result to an
infinitesimal change in 𝑣 (i.e. 𝑑𝑣).
We now have another equation for acceleration. Since equation (2) is a function of 𝑟,
𝑑𝑟
let us multiply 𝑑𝑟 to the equation, which is similar to multiplying the equation to one.

𝑑𝑣 𝑑𝑟
𝑎 = ( )( )
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑟
Rearranging the equation, we will arrived at

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 6

 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑣
𝑎 = ( )( )
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑟
Looking at the term 𝑑𝑡 , it describes a parameter where a change in 𝑡 signifies a change
in 𝑟. And the physical quantity where distance changes with respect to time is velocity.
𝑑𝑟
Therefore, replacing with 𝑣
𝑑𝑡

𝑣𝑑𝑣
𝑎=
𝑑𝑟
If we equate the two equations of acceleration, we will arrive at
𝑣𝑑𝑣 −𝑔𝑅 2
=
𝑑𝑟 𝑟2
The resulting equation is a differential equation that is variable separable. To find the
general solution
𝑔𝑅 2
𝑣𝑑𝑣 = −
𝑟2

∫ 𝑣𝑑𝑣 = −𝑔𝑅 2 ∫ 𝑟 −2

𝑣2
= 𝑔𝑅 2 𝑟 −1 + 𝑐
2
𝑣 2 = 2𝑔𝑅 2 𝑟 −1 + 2𝑐
We now have the general solution of the differential equation relating velocity and
distance. However, we cannot readily use the equation due to its arbitrary
constant. To obtain the particular solution, we will need initial values in order to find
the value of the arbitrary constant. Take note that at the surface of the earth, 𝑟 is equal
to the radius of the earth 𝑅, and 𝑣 is equal to the initial velocity of the object, 𝑣𝑖 .
Substituting the initial values
When 𝑟 = 𝑅, 𝑣 = 𝑣𝑖

(𝑣𝑖 2 = −2𝑔𝑅 2 𝑅 −1 + 2𝑐
2𝑐 = 𝑣𝑖 2 − 2𝑔𝑅
Substituting 2𝑐 to the equation
𝑅2
𝑣 = 2𝑔 2 + (𝑣𝑖 2 − 2𝑔𝑅)
2
𝑟
𝑅2
We now have our particular solution. Looking a the term 2𝑔 𝑟 2 , we notice that as 𝑟
increases, the term will approach zero. Thus, for 𝒗 to remain positive (moving in in
outward direction), the term (𝒗𝒊 𝟐 − 𝟐𝒈𝑹) must be equal or greater than zero.
Otherwise, the object will reach a distance 𝑟 where 𝑣 will be zero or the motion will
stop after which the object will be pulled back to the earth. In that case, the exact
escape velocity 𝑣𝑒 is equal to 𝑣𝑖 when 𝑣𝑖 2 − 2𝑔𝑅 = 0. Solving for 𝑣𝑒
𝑣𝑒 2 − 2𝑔𝑅 = 0

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 7

 𝑣𝑒 = √2𝑔𝑅

We now have the formula to solve for the minimum velocity to escape the earth. Take
note that this equation is applicable to other objects or heavenly bodies, as long
as the object’s acceleration due to gravity at the surface and its radius is known.
Example:
1. The radius of the moon is roughly 1080 miles. The acceleration due to gravity
at the surface of the moon is about 16.5% of the earth’s acceleration due to
gravity. Determine the escape velocity from the moon.
Solution:
𝑚 𝑚𝑖
𝑔 = 9.81 = 6.09 𝑥 10−3 2
𝑠 𝑠
𝑅𝑚 = 1080 𝑚𝑖
𝑔𝑚 = 0.165𝑔
Find 𝑔𝑚
𝑔𝑚 = 0.165𝑔
𝑚𝑖
𝑔𝑚 = 0.165 (6.09 𝑥 10−3 )
𝑠2
𝑔𝑚 = 1.00485 𝑥 10−3
Substitute to the equation

𝑣𝑒 = √2(1.00485 𝑥 10−3 )(1080)

𝑚𝑖
𝑣𝑒 = 1.473 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
𝑠
Author’s notes: When relating parameters proportional to each other, the constant 𝑘 can
be assumed to be either positive or negative. This will change certain aspects of the
solution, such as the sign or operation. However, this will not affect the values of the
solution when evaluated.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 8

LESSON 3.2: NEWTON’S LAW OF COOLING

Through differential equation, we can also model Newton’s Law of Cooling. The law
states that the rate of change in the temperature of a body is directly proportional; to
the difference in temperature between the body and its environment.
Let
𝑇 = temperature of the body at the time 𝑡
𝑇𝑠 = temperature of the environment
According to the law,
𝑑𝑇
∞ 𝑘(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 )
𝑑𝑡
If the object is cooling down, the constant 𝑘 will be negative. If the object is heating
up, 𝑘 is positive. Assuming the object is cooling down, we will arrive at
𝑑𝑇
= −𝑘(𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 )
𝑑𝑡
The resulting differential equation is variable separable. Solving for the general
solution,
𝑑𝑇
= −𝑘(𝑑𝑡)
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠
𝑑𝑇
∫ = −𝑘 ∫(𝑑𝑡) + 𝑐
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠
ln( 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 ) = −𝑘𝑡 + c
Since 𝑐 is arbitrary, replace 𝑐 with ln 𝑐
ln( 𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 ) = −𝑘𝑡 + ln c
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠
ln = −𝑘𝑡
𝑐
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠
= 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
𝑐
𝑇 − 𝑇𝑠 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
Thus,
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 + 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
This general solution can now be used to solve for problems involving temperature of
a body and its environment once initial values of the parameters are given.
Examples:
1. A thermometer reading 18°𝐹 is brought to a room where the temperature is
70°𝐹. One minute later, the thermometer reading is 31°𝐹.

(a) Determine the temperature reading as a function of time and in particular.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 9

 (b) Find the temperature reading 5 minutes after the thermometer is brought
into the room.
For the problem above, the temperature reading as a function of 𝑡 and the temperature
after a period of time is being asked. Analyzing the problem, the temperature reading
as a function of time is simply the particular solution of the differential equation. After
getting the particular solution, it can be used to compute for the temperature reading
5 minutes after the thermometer is brought to the room.
Solution:
For problems like this, it is recommended to create a table of the initial values given.

t (minutes) T Ts
0 18°F 70°F
1 31°F 70°F

From the general equation

𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 + 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑇 = 18°𝐹, 𝑇𝑠 = 70°𝐹

18 = 10 + 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘(0)
𝑐 = −52
Thus,
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 − 52𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
However, the constant k is still undetermined. Use the second set of initial values to
solve for 𝑒 −𝑘 or 𝑘.
When 𝑡 = 1, 𝑇 = 31°𝐹, 𝑇𝑠 = 70°𝐹

31 = 70 − 52𝑒 −𝑘(1)
31 − 70
𝑒 −𝑘 =
−52
39
𝑒 −𝑘 =
52
Now that we have the value of 𝑒 −𝑘 , this can be substituted to the equation already.
Thus,

39 𝑡
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 − 52 ( ) 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
52
However, we can have a different expression by getting the value of 𝑘.
39
𝑒 −𝑘 =
52

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 10

 39
ln 𝑒 −𝑘 = ln
52
𝑘 = 0.29
Substitute
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 − 52𝑒 (−0.29)𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
39 𝑡
For letter (a), the answers are either 𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 − 52 (52) or 𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 − 52𝑒 (−0.29)𝑡 .

For letter (b), when 𝑡 = 5, 𝑇 = ?, 𝑇𝑠 = 70°𝐹

𝑇 = 70 − 52𝑒 (−0.29)5
𝑇 = 57.66°𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
2. A thermometer reading 75°𝐹 is taken out where the temperature is 20°𝐹. The
reading is 30°𝐹, 4 minutes later. Find (a) the thermometer reading 7 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠
after the thermometer was brought outside, and (b) the time taken for the
reading to drop from 75°𝐹 to within half a degree of the air temperature
Solution:
t (minutes) T Ts
0 75°F 20°F
4 30°F 20°F
7 ? 20°F
? 20.5°F 20°F

𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 + 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑇 = 75°𝐹, 𝑇𝑠 = 20°𝐹

75 = 20 + 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘(0)
𝑐 = 55
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 + 55𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
When 𝑡 = 4, 𝑇 = 30°𝐹, 𝑇𝑠 = 20°𝐹

30 = 20 + 55𝑒 −𝑘(4)
30 − 20
(𝑒 −𝑘 )4 =
55
1
10 4
𝑒 −𝑘 =( )
55
Substitute:
𝑡
10 4
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑠 + 55 ( ) 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
55

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 11

(a) when 𝑡 = 7, 𝑇 = ?, 𝑇𝑠 = 20°𝐹
7
10 4
𝑇 = 20 + 55 ( )
55
𝑇 = 22.78°𝐹 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
(b) when 𝑡 = ?, 𝑇 = 20.5°𝐹, 𝑇𝑠 = 20°𝐹
𝑡
10 4
20.5 = 20 + 55 ( )
55
𝑡 = 11.03 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 12

LESSON 3.3: SIMPLE CHEMICAL CONVERSION

The same concept can be applied to chemical conversion. From the results of
chemical experimentation of substance converted into another substance, it was found
that the rate of change of unconverted substance is proportional to the amount of
unconverted substance.
If 𝑥 is the amount of unconverted substance, then
𝑑𝑥
= −𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡
The assumption is the mass of the substance is decreasing, thus, constant 𝑘 is
negative. If the mass is increasing, then 𝑘 is positive.
Finding the general solution:
𝑑𝑥
= −𝑘𝑥
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥
= −𝑘𝑑𝑡
𝑥
𝑑𝑥
∫ = − 𝑘 ∫ 𝑑𝑡
𝑥

𝑙𝑛𝑥 = −𝑘𝑡 + 𝑐
Let 𝑐 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑐
𝑙𝑛𝑥 = −𝑘𝑡 + 𝑙𝑛𝑐
𝑥
ln = −𝑘𝑡
𝑐
𝑥
= 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
𝑐
𝑥 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
where:
𝑥 = amount of unconverted substance
Examples
1. Suppose that a chemical reaction proceeds according to the law given. If half
of the substance A has been converted at the end of 10 seconds, find when the
nine-tenths of the substance will have been converted.

Solution:
𝑥 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
The initial condition given is that half of substance 𝐴 is converted at the end of 10
seconds. This will not be enough since our general equation contains two constants,
𝑐 and 𝑘. However, we can assume that at the start of the conversion process, that is
at 𝑡 = 0, the mass of the material is equal to its initial mass, let’s say 𝑥𝑜 . Thus, we will
have two initial conditions that can be used to find the two constants.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 13

When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜

𝑥𝑜 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘(0)
𝑐 = 𝑥𝑜
Substitute
𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
1
When 𝑡 = 10 𝑠𝑒𝑐, 𝑥 = 2 𝑥𝑜

1
𝑥𝑜 = 𝐴𝑒 −𝑘(10)
2
1
−𝑘
1 10
𝑒 =( )
2
Substitute
𝑡
1 10
𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 ( )
2

1
When 𝑥 = 10 𝑥𝑜 , 𝑡 = ?
𝑡
1 1 10
𝑥𝑜 = 𝑥𝑜 ( )
10 2
1 𝑡 1
ln ( )= ln
10 10 2
1
(10 ln 10)
𝑡=
1
ln 2

𝑡 = 33.22 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

2. A bacterial population B is to have a rate of growth proportional to B itself. If

between noon and 2:00 PM, the population triples, at what time, no controls
being exerted, should be 100 times what it was at noon.
Solution:
𝑥 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘𝑡

When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜

𝑥𝑜 = 𝑐𝑒 −𝑘(0)
𝑐 = 𝑥𝑜

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 14

Substitute
𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡
When 𝑡 = 2 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠, 𝑥 = 3𝑥𝑜
3𝑥𝑜 = 𝑥𝑜 𝑒 −𝑘(2)
1
𝑒 −𝑘 = (3)2

Substitute
𝑡
𝑥 = 𝑥𝑜 (3)2
When 𝑥 = 100𝑥𝑜 , 𝑡 = ?
𝑡
100𝑥𝑜 = 𝑥𝑜 (3)2
𝑡
ln 100 = ln 3
2
(2 ln 100)
𝑡=
ln 3
𝑡 = 8.38 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠

Note:
60 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠
0.38 ℎ𝑟 𝑥 = 22 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠
1 ℎ𝑟

𝑡 = 8 ℎ𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 22 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 15

LESSON 3.4: MIXING OF SOLUTIONS

Differential equations can also be applied to mixing solutions. For example, a brine
solution enters a tank at a certain rate filled with water. A mixed solution is then formed
that flows out of the tank at a specific rate. Assuming that the concentration of the tank
solution is thoroughly mixed and has a uniform concentration throughout the tank, this
system can be modelled by a differential equations.
Let us say m is the amount of salt in the tank. Since a solution with let us say
concentration 𝑐𝑖 is entering the tank at a certain rate 𝑟𝑖 , then the amount of salt in the
tank changes with respect to time. Assuming the new solution is perfectly mixed, the
amount of salt in the tank is also influenced by the rate 𝑟𝑜 at which the solution leaves
the tank.

Thus, we can represent the amount of salt in the tank as the product of time and the
difference of the concentration of the solution multiplied the rate it is entering the tank
and the concentration of the solution multiplied 𝑦 the rate is leaving the tank leaving
the tank. Considering a small time interval ∆𝑡, there is also a small change in the
amount of salt in the tank, ∆𝑚.
∆𝑚 = ∆𝑡(𝑐𝑖 𝑟𝑖 − 𝑐𝑜 𝑟𝑜 )
This is not yet a differential equation, but dividing the equation by ∆𝑡 and taking its limit
as it approaches zero, we will arrive at

𝑑𝑚
(1) = 𝑐𝑖 𝑟𝑖 − 𝑐𝑜 𝑟𝑜
𝑑𝑡

where:
𝑐𝑖 = is the concentration of the substance being added
𝑟𝑖 = is the rate at which the substance is added
𝑐𝑜 = is the concentration of the substance being removed
𝑟𝑜 = is the rate at which the substance is removed
Take note that 𝑐𝑖 , 𝑟𝑖 and 𝑟𝑜 are parameters that we have control of. 𝑐𝑜 , however is
dependent on the amount salt in the tank at any given time.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 16

Once the parameters are plugged in, we’ll treat the equation as a separable differential
equation. To understand the process clearly, proceed to the examples below.
Examples
1. A tank contains 80 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 (𝑔𝑎𝑙) of pure water. A brine (salt) solution with
2 𝑙𝑏/𝑔𝑎𝑙 of salt enters at 2 𝑔𝑎𝑙/𝑚𝑖n, and the well stirred mixtures leaves at the
same rate. Find (a) the amount of salt in the tank at any time, and (b) the time
at which the brine leaving will contain1 𝑙𝑏/𝑔𝑎𝑙 of salt.

Solution:
For letter (a), we are asked for the amount of salt at the tank at any given time. To put
simply, we are asked for an equation that will represent the mass as a function of 𝑡.
Thus, we are being ask for a particular solution of the differential equation modelling
the tank.
Given:
𝑐𝑖 = 2 lbs salt/gal
𝑟𝑖 = 2 gal/min
𝑟𝑜 = 2 gal/min
𝑐𝑜 = ?
𝑉 = volume of the water in the tank, 80 gal
Then,
𝑑𝑚
= 𝑐𝑖 𝑟𝑖 + 𝑐𝑜 𝑟𝑜
𝑑𝑡
The concentration of the solution leaving the tank is not specified in the problem.
However, we know that if the tank is perfectly mixed, then the concentration the
solution leaving the tank is equal to the solution of the solution in the tank itself.
Thus, for this problem, we can say that
𝑚
𝑐𝑜 =
𝑉
where:
𝑚 = amount of salt in the tank
𝑉 = volume of the tank
Substituting this to the equation, we will arrive at
𝑑𝑚 𝑙𝑏 𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑚 𝑔𝑎𝑙
= (2 ) (2 ) − ( ) (2 )
𝑑𝑡 𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 80 𝑚𝑖𝑛
Separate the variables and integrate
𝑑𝑚 𝑚 𝑙𝑏
= (4 − )
𝑑𝑡 40 𝑚𝑖𝑛

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 17

 𝑑𝑚
𝑚 = 𝑑𝑡
4 − 40

40𝑑𝑚
= 𝑑𝑡
160 − 𝑚
40𝑑𝑚
∫ = ∫ 𝑑𝑡
160 − 𝑚
−40 ln(160 − 𝑚) = 𝑡 + 𝑐
We have now arrived at our general solution. However, we are asked for an equation
of the amount of salt at the tank as a function on 𝑡. Thus, we must find the value of the
arbitrary constant 𝑐.
An initial condition is not specified in the problem. However, we know that at 𝑡 = 0, the
brine solution hasn’t entered the tank, thus, pure water is still in the tank and the
amount of salt in it is zero. Using these initial values,
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑚 = 0
−40 ln(160 − 𝑚) = 0 + 𝑐
𝑐 = −40 ln 160

Substitute the arbitrary constant to the equation

−40 ln(160 − 𝑚) = 𝑡 − 40 ln 160
−𝑡 = 40 ln(160 − 𝑚) − 40 ln 160
160 − 𝑚
−𝑡 = 40 ln
160
160 − 𝑚 𝑡
= 𝑒 −40
160
𝑡
160 − 𝑚 = 160𝑒 −40
𝑡
𝑚 = 160 − 𝑒 −40
𝑡
𝑚 = 160 (1 − 𝑒 −40 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

We have now arrived at an equation of m as a function of time.

For letter (b) we are asked for the time at which the brine leaving will contain
1 𝑙𝑏/𝑔𝑎𝑙 of salt.

𝑚
Since 𝑐𝑜 = 𝑉

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 18

 𝑙𝑏 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑡
When 𝑐𝑜 = 1 𝑉 = 80 𝑔𝑎𝑙
𝑔𝑎𝑙

𝑚
1=
80
Then the amount of salt in the tank when
𝑚 = 80 𝑙𝑏𝑠
Substituting this to the equation
𝑡
80 = 160 (1 − 𝑒 −40 )

𝑡
80 − 160 = −160𝑒 −40
𝑡
−80 = −160𝑒 −40
𝑡
1 = 2𝑒 −40
𝑡 1
𝑒 −40 =
2
𝑡 1
ln 𝑒 −40 = ln
2
𝑡 1
− = ln
40 2
𝑡
− = ln 1 − ln 2
40
−𝑡 = −40 ln 2
𝑡 = 40 ln 2
𝑡 = 27.73 min 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
2. For the tank in the previous exercise, determine (a) the limiting value for the
amount of salt in the tank after a longtime. How much (b) time must pass before
the amount of salt in the tank reaches 80% of this limiting value?
Solution:
The limiting value of the solution in the tank is being asked. This is the point at which
the amount of salt in the tank no longer changes. Thus, it is when
𝑑𝑚
→0
𝑑𝑡
Substitute
𝑙𝑏 𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑚 𝑔𝑎𝑙
0 = (2 ) (2 ) − ( ) (2 )
𝑔𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 80 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑚
0 = (4 − )
40
𝑚
4− =0
40

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 19

 𝑚 = 160 𝑙𝑏𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
This is the limiting value for the amount of salt in the tank. It is also worth noting that
at this value, the concentration of the solution entering the tank is equal to the
concentration of the solution in the tank.
For letter (b), we are asked for time t when the amount of salt is at 80% of its limiting
value. Thus
When 𝑚 = 80%(160) = 128
Substitute
𝑡
𝑚 = 160 (1 − 𝑒 −40 )
𝑡
128 = 160 (1 − 𝑒 −40 )
𝑡
128 − 160 = −160𝑒 −40
𝑡
0.20 = 𝑒 −40
𝑡
ln 0.20 = −
40
𝑡 = −40 ln 0.20
𝑡 = 64.38 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠

3. 3. A tank has pure water flowing into it at 12 𝑙/𝑚𝑖𝑛. The contents of the tank are
kept thoroughly mixed, and the contents flow out at 10 𝑙/𝑚𝑖𝑛. Initially, the tank
contains 10 𝑘𝑔 of salt in 100 𝑙 of water. Find (a) the amount of salt in the tank
at any time, and (b) The amount of salt in the tank after 30 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠.
For this problem, the rate at which water enters is not equal to the rate at which the
solution leaves the tank. Thus, the volume of the solution in the tank is not
constant. However, we can express the volume as a function of time, as the volume
changes as time passes.
Given
𝑐𝑖 = 12 kg of salt per liter
𝑟𝑖 = 12 liters per minute
𝑟𝑜 = 10 liters per minute
𝑉𝑖 = initial volume, 100 liters
First, let us determine the function that would represent 𝑉. The volume of the
solution in the tank is equal to its initial volume plus the difference of the rates
at which the solution enters and leaves the tank multiplied by time. This can be
represented as
𝑉(𝑡) = 𝑉𝑖 + (𝑟𝑖 − 𝑟𝑜)𝑡
Since 12 𝑙 of water enters and 10 𝑙 of the solution leaves the tank per minute, the
volume of the solution in the tank increases by 2 𝑙 per one minute. The solution in the
tank has an initial volume of 100 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠, thus
𝑉(𝑡) = 100 + (12 − 10)𝑡

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 20

 𝑉(𝑡) = 100 + 2𝑡
Therefore
𝑚
𝑐𝑜 =
𝑉
𝑚
𝑐𝑜 =
100 + 2𝑡
Substituting
𝑑𝑚 𝑘𝑔 𝑙 𝑚 𝑙
= (0 ) (12 )−( ) (10 )
𝑑𝑡 𝑙 𝑚𝑖𝑛 100 + 2𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑑𝑚 10𝑚
= −( )
𝑑𝑡 100 + 2𝑡
𝑑𝑚 10
=− 𝑑𝑡
𝑚 100 + 2𝑡
𝑑𝑚 10
∫ = −∫ 𝑑𝑡
𝑚 100 + 2𝑡
ln 𝑚 = −5 ln(100 + 2𝑡) + ln 𝑐
ln 𝑚 = ln(100 + 2𝑡)−5 + ln 𝑐
𝑚 = 𝑐(100 + 2𝑡)−5
To find c, we know that at t=0, the amount of salt in the solution is 10 kg (as stated in
the problem). Thus
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑚 = 10 𝑘𝑔
10 = 𝑐(100)−5
𝑐 = 1011
Thus
𝑚 = 1011 (100 + 2𝑡)−5 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
The amount of salt in the tank at any given time is shown above.
For letter (b), the amount of salt in the tank after 30 minutes,
When 𝑡 = 30 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠, 𝑚 =?
𝑚 = 1011 (100 + 2(30))−5
𝑚 = 0.95 𝑘𝑔 of salt 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 21

LESSON 3.5: ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

Electrical circuits can also be modeled by differential equations. To be specific, series

RL and RC circuits are modeled as ordinary differential equations of order one. These
circuits exhibit important behaviors that are fundamental to analog electronics. In
particular, they are used as passive filters.
3.5.1 Series RL Circuit
A resistor–inductor circuit (RL circuit), or RL filter or RL network, is an electric circuit
composed of resistors and inductors driven by a voltage or current source. A first-order
RL circuit is composed of one resistor and one inductor and is the simplest type of RL
circuit.

The RL circuit shown above has a resistor and an inductor connected in series. A
constant voltage V is applied when the switch is closed. Take note that once the
switch is closed, the current in the circuit is not constant. Instead, it will build
up from zero to some steady state.

The voltage in volts (𝑉) across the resistor is given by

𝑉𝑅 = 𝑖𝑅

where:
𝑖 = instantaneous current Amperes (𝐴)
𝑅 = resistance of the resistor in Ohms (𝛺)

The voltage in volts (𝑉) across the inductor is given by

𝑑𝑖
𝑉𝐿 = 𝐿
𝑑𝑡
where:
𝐿 = inductance in Henry (𝐻)

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 22

According to Kirchhoff's voltage law, the directed sum of the voltages around a circuit
must be zero. This results in the following differential equation:
𝑉𝑅 + 𝑉𝐿 = 𝑉
𝑑𝑖
𝑅𝑖 + 𝐿 =𝑉
𝑑𝑡
To get the general solution
𝑑𝑖
𝐿 = 𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑖 𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖
=
𝑑𝑡 𝐿
𝑑𝑖 𝑑𝑡
=
𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖 𝐿
𝑑𝑖 𝑑𝑡
∫ =∫
𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖 𝐿
ln(𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖) 1
− = 𝑡+𝑐
𝑅 𝐿
We now have the general solution. However, since at 𝑡 = 0, 𝑖 = 0 since no current is
flowing in the circuit until the switch is closed. This will be our initial values.
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑖 = 0
ln 𝑉
𝑐=−
𝑅
Substituting 𝑐 to the equation
ln(𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖) 1 ln 𝑉
− = 𝑡−
𝑅 𝐿 𝑅
ln 𝑉 ln(𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖) 1
− = 𝑡−
𝑅 𝑅 𝐿
𝑅
− ln 𝑉 + ln(𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖) = − 𝑡
𝐿
𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖 𝑅
ln =− 𝑡
𝑉 𝐿
𝑉 − 𝑅𝑖 𝑅
= 𝑒−𝐿 𝑡
𝑉
𝑅 𝑅
1− 𝑖 = 𝑒−𝐿 𝑡
𝑉
𝑉 𝑅
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 )
𝑅
We now have an equation of the current 𝑖 as a function of the voltage source 𝑉,
resistance 𝑅, and inductance 𝐿.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 23

 𝑅
Consider the term 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 . The term has a negative exponent. Thus, as time 𝑡 increases,
the term gets smaller and smaller to a point that it approaches zero. At that point, the
current is the circuit is maximum.
𝑉
𝑖= (1 − 0)
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖=
𝑅
This is known as the steady-state current of the circuit.
Time Constant
The time constant (TC), denoted as 𝜏, of the function
𝑉 𝑅
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 )
𝑅
𝑅
Is the time at which is equal to 1. Thus, for the RL transient, the time constant is
𝐿

𝐿
𝜏= 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
𝑅
Note that the Greek letter “tau” 𝜏, is not the same as 𝑇 or the time variable 𝑡, even
though it looks very similar.
Considering
𝑉 𝑅
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 )
𝑅
At 1𝜏,
𝑉
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 −1 )
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (1 − 0.368)
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (0.632)
𝑅
𝑉
If the maximum current is equal to 𝑅, then at 1 𝜏, the current is at 63.2% of its maximum
value.
At 2𝜏,
𝑉
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 −2 )
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (1 − 0.135)
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (0.865)
𝑅
At 2𝜏, the current in the circuit is 86.5% of its final value.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 24

After 5τ the transient is generally regarded as terminated. This is the time at which 𝑖
is maximum. For convenience, the graph of the equation is presented using τ.

It can be observe that as time passes, the value of 𝑖 increase until it reach a value
equal to V/R, which is consistent to the previous statement that once the switch is
closed, the current in the circuit is not constant. Instead, it will build up from zero to
some steady state.

Example:
1. A series RL circuit with 𝑅 = 50 𝛺 and 𝐿 = 10 𝐻 has a constant voltage 𝑉 =
100 𝑉 applied at 𝑡 = 0 by the closing of a switch. Find

(a) the equation for 𝑖

(b) the current at 𝑡 = 0.5 𝑠

(c) the time at which the current is at a steady state.

Solution:

Using the derived formula, we can solve for (a)

𝑉 𝑅
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 − 𝐿 𝑡 )
𝑅
100 50
𝑖= (1 − 𝑒 −10𝑡 )
50
𝑖 = 2(1 − 𝑒 −5𝑡 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
For letter (b), simply substitute 𝑡 = 0.5 𝑠 to the equation

𝑖 = [2(1 − 𝑒 −5(0.5) )]

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 25

 𝑖 = 1.8358 𝐴 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
For letter (c), since
𝐿
𝜏=
𝑅
10
𝜏= = 0.2 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠
50
Since an RL circuit reaches its steady state current at 5 𝜏
𝑡 = 5𝜏
𝑡 = 5(0.2)
𝑡 = 1 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
3.5.2 Series RC Circuit
A resistor–capacitor circuit (RC circuit), or RL filter or RL network, is an electric circuit
composed of resistors and capacitors driven by a voltage or current source. A first-
order RC circuit is composed of one resistor and one capacitor and is the simplest
type of RC circuit.

In an RC circuit, the capacitor stores energy between a pair of plates. When voltage
is applied to the capacitor, the charge builds up in the capacitor and the current drops
off to zero. Thus, at the start of the circuit, the current is maximum which is equal to

𝑉
𝑖=
𝑅

As time passes, the capacitor charges, causing the electric current to approach zero.

The voltage in volts (𝑉) across the resistor is given by

𝑉𝑅 = 𝑖𝑅
where:

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 26

𝑖 = instantaneous current in Amperes (𝐴)
𝑅 = resistance of the resistor in Ohms (𝛺)

The voltage in volts (𝑉) in the capacitor is given by

1
𝑉𝐶 = ∫ 𝑖 𝑑𝑡
𝐶
where:
𝐶 = capacitance in Farad (𝐹)

Kirchhoff's voltage law says the total voltages must be zero. So applying this law to a
series RC circuit results in the equation:

1
𝑅𝑖 + ∫ 𝑖 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑉
𝐶
To turn this into a useable differential equation, differentiate 𝑖 with respect to 𝑡. Doing
this will remove the remove the integrand.
𝑑𝑖 1
𝑅 ( ) + (𝑖) = 𝑉
𝑑𝑡 𝐶
𝑑𝑖 𝑖
𝑅 + =0
𝑑𝑡 𝐶
Now, let us find the solution of the differential equation above.
𝑑𝑖 𝑖
𝑅 + =0
𝑑𝑡 𝐶
𝑑𝑖 1
+ 𝑖=0
𝑑𝑡 𝑅𝐶
The resulting equations is a first order linear differential equation. The general solution
would be

𝑖𝑒 ∫ 𝑃𝑑𝑡 = ∫ 𝑄𝑒 ∫ 𝑃𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 + 𝑐

Identify 𝑃 and 𝑄
1
𝑃=
𝑅𝐶
𝑄=0
Determine the integrating factor

𝐼 = 𝑒 ∫ 𝑃𝑑𝑡
1
𝐼 = 𝑒 ∫𝑅𝐶𝑑𝑡

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 27

 𝑡
𝐼 = 𝑒 𝑅𝐶

Substitute
𝑡
𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝐶 = 𝑐
𝑡
𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝐶 = 𝑐
We now have our general solution. We need initial conditions to find the value of the
constant. Note that it was discussed that when the circuit is closed, the capacitor
charges up. As the capacitor charges, the current in the circuit gradually depletes until
it reaches zero. Thus, we can conclude that at time 𝑡 = 0, the current is maximum (i.e.
𝑉
equal to 𝑅) because the capacitor has not begun to charge. Applying this initial
condition
𝑉
When 𝑡 = 0, 𝑖=𝑅

𝑉 0
𝑒 𝑅𝐶 = 𝑐
𝑅
𝑉
𝑐=
𝑅
Substitute
𝑡 𝑉
𝑖𝑒 𝑅𝐶 =
𝑅
Solving for 𝑖 gives us the expression
𝑉 −𝑡
𝑖= 𝑒 𝑅𝐶
𝑅
This is now our particular solution.
Time Constant
The time constant in the case of an RC circuit is:

𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶

Considering
𝑉 −𝑡
𝑖= 𝑒 𝑅𝐶
𝑅
At 1𝜏,
𝑉 −1
𝑖= 𝑒
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (0.368)
𝑅

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 28

At 1𝜏, the current dropped to 36.8% of its maximum value.
At 2𝜏,
𝑉 −2
𝑖= (𝑒 )
𝑅
𝑉
𝑖= (0.135)
𝑅
At 2𝜏, the current in the circuit dropped to 13.5% of its final value.
After 5τ the transient is generally regarded as terminated. This is the time at which 𝑖
is zero. For convenience, the graph of the equation is presented using τ.

It can be observed that at the beginning where the circuit was closed (i.e. at t=0), the
𝑉
current is maximum, and is equal to 𝑅. As time passes, the value of 𝑖 drops gradually
decreases until it reaches 0.
Example:
1. A series RC circuit with R = 5 Ω and C = 0.2 F is connected with a battery of E =
100 V. At t = 0, the voltage across the capacitor is zero. Find (a) the time at
which the current is 50% if its maximum value and (b) the time it will take for
the current to drop to zero.

Solution:
Using the equation

𝑉 −𝑡
𝑖= 𝑒 𝑅𝐶
𝑅
100 𝑡
100 −(5)0.2
(0.5) = 𝑒
5 5
𝑡 = 0.69 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 29

This means that after 0.69 seconds, the current in the circuit will be half of its
maximum value.

For letter (b), we can solve for 𝜏

𝜏 = 𝑅𝐶
𝜏 = 5(0.2)
𝜏=1
The current drops to zero at 5𝜏, thus
𝑡 = 5𝜏
𝑡 = 5(1)
𝑡 = 5 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟
Exercise 3A. Solve for the parameters asked in the following questions.
a. Determine, to two significant figures, the escape velocity of the celestial bodies
𝑚𝑖
listed below. Assume 𝑔 = 6.1 𝑥 10−3 𝑠2 .

Acceleration of gravity Radius (miles)

at the surface
Venus 0.85g 3800
Mars 0.38g 2100
Jupiter 2.60g 43000
Sun 28g 432000
Ganymede 0.12g 1780

b. What is earth’s escape velocity if the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 𝑚/𝑠 and
the its radius is 6.378 𝑥 106 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠?
c. A thermometer which has been at the reading of 70°𝐹 inside a house is placed
outside where the air temperature is 10°𝐹. Three minutes later it is found that
the thermometer reading is 25°𝐹. Find the thermometer reading after
6 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠.
d. At 2:00 PM, a thermometer reading 80°𝐹 is taken outside where the air
temperature is 20°𝐹. At 2:30 PM, the temperature reading yielded by the
thermometer is 42°𝐹. Later, the thermometer is brought inside where the air is
at 80°F. At 2:10 PM, the reading is 71°F. When was the thermometer brought
indoors?
e. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the quantity of radium present.
Suppose that it is found that in 25 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, approximately 1.1% of a certain
quantity of radium has decomposed. Determine approximately how long will it
take for one-half the original amount of radium to decompose.
f. A certain radioactive substance has a half-life of 38 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠. Find how lang it
takes for 90% of the radioactivity to be dissipated.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 30

 g. A 600 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 brine tank is to be cleared by piping in pure water at 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙/𝑚𝑖𝑛,
and allowing the well-stirred solution to flow out at the rate of 2 𝑔𝑎𝑙/𝑚𝑖𝑛. If the
tank initially contains 1500 𝑝𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑡, a) how much salt is left in the tank
after 1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟? b) after 9 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 59 𝑚𝑖𝑛?
h. A large vat holds 100 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 of water that is to be mixed with sugar and then
used to make soft drinks. Sugar-water containing 5 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑛𝑠 of sugar per
gallon enters the vat through a pipe at a rate of 2 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. Another
pipe pumps sugar-water with 10 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑛𝑠 of sugar per gallon into the vat at
a rate of 1 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. The vat is kept well mixed, so that the
concentration of sugar in the vat is essentially uniform. Sugar-water is drained
out of the vat at a rate of 3 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. Notice that the amount flowing
into the vat is the same as the amount flowing out of the vat, so there are always
100 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 of liquid in the vat. Find the amount of sugar in the vat at time t if
the vat initially has 900 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑜𝑛𝑠 in it.
i. An RL circuit has an emf of 5 𝑉, a resistance of 50 𝛺, an inductance of 1 𝐻,
and no initial current. Find (a) the current in the circuit at any time t. Determine
(b) the time at which the current reaches its final value.
j. A series RC circuit with 𝑅 = 5 𝛺 and 𝐶 = 0.2 F is connected with a battery
of 𝐸 = 100 𝑉. After 3 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠, what is the voltage at the resistor 𝑅?

Author’s notes: In order to achieve the competencies of this module, knowledge in many
different areas are necessary. While the topic may seem intimidating at first, constant
practice will improve the learner’s capacity to relate differential equations to its applications.

SUMMARY

 Differential equations of order one can be applied to model real-world problems.

 An equation relating the escape velocity of the earth to its parameters can be
derived using differential equations through Newton’s Law of Universal
Gravitation and Newton’s Second Law of Motion.
 Through differential equation, we can model Newton’s Law of Cooling which
states that the rate of change in the temperature of a body is directly
proportional to the difference in temperature between the body and its
environment.
 From the results of chemical experimentation of substance converted into
another substance, it was found that the rate of change of unconverted
substance is proportional to the amount of unconverted substance.
 Differential equations can also be applied to mixing solutions, assuming they
are perfectly mixed and the concentration of the solution is uniform.
 Certain electrical circuits exhibits behavior that can be modeled by differential
equations. Some of which are series RL and RC circuits.
 Differential equations is applied to real-world problems by identifying the
parameters of the phenomenon at hand, establishing the differential equation
by the theories and laws that governs it, finding its general solution, and then
substituting the initial conditions to obtain a particular equation.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 31

LEARNING INSIGHTS

The following questions are meant to solicit deep intuitive understanding from the
learner after completing this unit. In some questions, the answers can be subjective.

1. For the derivation of the equations for Newton’s Law of Cooling, we assumed that
the constant of proportionality 𝑘 is negative. Derive the equation again using a positive
𝑘, and use it to solve the same problems. Why do you think it arrives with the same
answer?
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. The equation for solving the escape velocity of the earth is applicable to other
celestial bodies as well. Why do you think it applies to other celestial bodies when the
parameters used are the earth’s gravity and radius?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

3. Think of other possible applications of order one differential equations. Elaborate.

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 32

POST-TEST

This post-test intends to determine the level of the learner’s competency after
completion of this module. Please answer honestly as this will measure your mastery
of the discussed topics and your preparedness to proceed to the next module. If you
get a score of less than 8, please consider repeating this module.

1. An object falling on Mars accelerates at 3.71 𝑚/𝑠 2 . If the radius of Mars is

3,389.5 𝑘𝑚, what is its escape velocity?
a. 5014.99 𝑚/𝑠 c. 158.99 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
b. 158.99 𝑚/𝑠 d. 5014.99 𝑘𝑚/𝑠

2. The acceleration due to gravity on the moon is 1.62 𝑚/𝑠 2 . If a man on the
moon will throw a rock and wishes for it to escape the moon’s gravity, what
should be its initial velocity? The diameter of the moon is 3474.2 𝑘𝑚.
a. 3355.6 𝑚/𝑠 c. 3355.6 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
b. 2372.38 𝑚/𝑠 d. 2372.38 𝑘𝑚/𝑠

3. According to Newton’s law of cooling, the rate at which a substance cools in

air is directly proportional to the difference between the temperatures of the
substance and that of air. If the temperature of the air is 30° and the
substance cools from 100° to 70° in 15 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠, how long will it take to cool
100° to 50°?
a. 43.60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 c. 33.59 𝑚𝑖𝑛
b. 35.39 𝑚𝑖𝑛 d. 45.30 𝑚𝑖𝑛

4. In a tank are 100 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 of brine containing 50 𝑘𝑔. total of dissolved salt. Pure
water is allowed to run into the tank at the rate of 3 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. Brine runs
out of the tank at the rate of 2 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒. The instantaneous
concentration in the tank is kept uniform by stirring. How much salt is in the
tank at the end of one hour?

a. 15.3 𝑘𝑔 c. 21.1 𝑘𝑔
b. 19.3 𝑘𝑔 d. 16.3 𝑘𝑔
5. The population of a country doubles in 50 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠. How many years will it be
five times as much? Assume that the rate of increase is proportional to the
number inhabitants.

a. 116 years c. 160 years

b. 106 years d. 100 years

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 33

6. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the amount at any instant. In
100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, 100 𝑚𝑔 of radium decomposes to 96 𝑚g. How many mg will be left
after another 100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠?

a. 82.17 mg c. 32.26 mg
b. 52.26 mg d. 92.16 mg
7. Radium decomposes at a rate proportional to the amount present. If the half
of the original amount disappears after 1000 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, what is the percentage
lost in 100 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠?
a. 9.74 % c. 2.98 %
b. 4.34 % d. 6.70 %
8. A tank initially holds 100 𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑠 of salt solution in which 50 𝑙𝑏𝑠 of salt has
been dissolved. A pipe fills the tank with brine at the rate of 3 𝑔𝑝𝑚, containing
2 𝑙𝑏𝑠 of dissolved salt per gallon. Assuming that the mixture is kept uniform by
stirring, a drain pipe draws out of the tank the mixture at 2 𝑔𝑝𝑚. Find the
amount of salt in the tank at the end of 30 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠.
a. 121.24 𝑙𝑏𝑠 c. 171.24 𝑙𝑏𝑠
b. 105.23 𝑙𝑏𝑠 d. 211.54 𝑙𝑏𝑠
9. An RL circuit has an emf of 50 𝑉, a resistance of 500 𝛺, an inductance of
15 𝐻, and no initial current. Find the time at which the current in the circuit is
36% of its final value.
a. 13.39 𝑚𝑠 c. 13.39 𝑢𝑠
b. 12.48 𝑚𝑠 d. 12.48 𝑢𝑠
10. A series RC circuit with 𝑅 = 5 𝛺 and 𝐶 = 0.2 F is connected with a battery
of 𝐸 = 100 𝑉. After 3 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠, what percentage of the current is left flowing on
the circuit?

a. 5% c. 10%
b. 2% d. 13.5%

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 34

SUGGESTED READINGS AND WEBSITES

Khan Academy Youtube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademy
Interactive Mathematics:
https://www.intmath.com/
Houston Math Prep Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZY9Pm-03Gv26cRaqWEpDYQ
The Math Sorcerer Youtube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7lmzIk63PZnBw3bezl-Mg

ANSWER KEY

Exercise 3A. Final answers

a.
Venus 6.30 𝑚𝑖/𝑠
Mars 3.12 𝑚𝑖/𝑠
Jupiter 36.93 𝑚𝑖/𝑠
Sun 384.15 𝑚𝑖/𝑠
Ganymede 1.61 𝑚𝑖/𝑠
b. 11.18 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
c. 13.75˚ 𝐹
d. 2: 05 𝑃𝑀
e. 1567 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
f. 126.23 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠
g. (𝑎) 1215 𝑙𝑏𝑠, (𝑏) 1/240 𝑙𝑏𝑠
700 2000
h. 𝑚 = 3 𝑒 −0.03𝑡 + 3
i. (𝑎) 𝑖 = 0.1(1 − 𝑒 −50𝑡 ), (𝑏) 0.1 𝑠
j. 4.98 𝑉

Prerequisite Test
𝑑
1. 𝑣 = 𝑘 𝑣
2. 𝑝 = [4𝑞 2 + 𝑟 2 (𝑟 + 3)]𝑞
3. 𝑥(𝑡) = 50 − 𝑡
4. 2 𝑚𝐴
5. 10 𝑉
Pretest and Posttest
1. a
2. b
3. c
4. b
5. a
6. d
7. d
8. c
9. a
10. a
End of Unit 3

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 35

REFERENCES

Rainville, E. D., & Bedient, P. E. (1997). Elementary Differential Equations, 8th

Edition. Pearson.
Cain, J., & Reynolds, A. (2010). Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations.
MATHalino. (n.d.). Elementary Differential Equations. Retrieved August 2020, from
MATHalino: Engineering Mathematics:
https://mathalino.com/reviewer/elementary-differential-equations/elementary-
differential-equations
Asin, R. C., & Sy, J. C. (1984). Elementary Differential Equations (A Reviewer/Text).
Manila, Philippines: Merriam & Webster Bookstore, Inc.
Nagle, R. K., & Saff, E. (2017). Fundamentals of Differential Equations, 9th edition.
Pearson.

Unit 3: Applications of 1st Order Differential Equations 36