Ch 1.1: Basic Mathematical Models; Direction Fields Differential equations are equations containing derivatives. Derivatives describe rates of change. The following are examples of physical phenomena involving rates of change: Motion of fluids Motion of mechanical systems Flow of current in electrical circuits Dissipation of heat in solid objects Seismic waves Population dynamics A differential equation that describes a physical process is often called a mathematical model. Example 1: Free Fall (1 of 4) Formulate a differential equation describing motion of an object falling in the atmosphere near sea level. Variables: time t, velocity v Newton’s 2nd Law: F = ma = m(dv/dt) net force Force of gravity: F = mg downward force Force of air resistance: F =  v upward force Then Taking g = 9.8 m/sec2, m = 10 kg,  = 2 kg/sec, we obtain Example 1: Sketching Direction Field (2 of 4) Using differential equation and table, plot slopes (estimates) on axes below. The resulting graph is called a direction field. (Note that values of v do not depend on t.) Example 1: Direction Field Using Maple (3 of 4) Sample Maple commands for graphing a direction field: with(DEtools): DEplot(diff(v(t),t)=9.8-v(t)/5,v(t), t=0..10,v=0..80,stepsize=.1,color=blue); When graphing direction fields, be sure to use an appropriate window, in order to display all equilibrium solutions and relevant solution behavior. Example 1: Direction Field & Equilibrium Solution (4 of 4) Arrows give tangent lines to solution curves, and indicate where soln is increasing & decreasing (and by how much). Horizontal solution curves are called equilibrium solutions. Use the graph below to solve for equilibrium solution, and then determine analytically by setting v' = 0. Equilibrium Solutions In general, for a differential equation of the form find equilibrium solutions by setting y' = 0 and solving for y :