Physics I / Problem-Solving: Differential Equations
Practice question · True or false

The superposition principle applies to all linear differential equations, homogeneous and nonhomogeneous alike.

Hints
  1. Add two solutions of a nonhomogeneous equation, what do you get?
  2. The forcing term doubles.
Show the answer

False

Why

False. Superposition holds for homogeneous linear equations. Adding two solutions of y+y=fy'' + y = f gives a solution of y+y=2fy'' + y = 2f, not of the original. The nonhomogeneous structure is instead 'general homogeneous solution plus one particular solution', which is a different statement.

Read the lesson: Problem-Solving: Differential Equations →

Practise Problem-Solving: Differential Equations

The app has 6 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Physics I is free to start.

More questions on Problem-Solving: Differential Equations