I need a little help attacking a problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a skydiver, specifically focusing on calculating air friction, changes in acceleration, and changes in velocity during free fall. The problem includes parameters such as initial velocity, initial position, and acceleration due to gravity, and involves concepts from dynamics and fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using Newton's 2nd Law in scalar form to approach the problem, proposing to solve the resulting ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
  • Another participant questions the initial formulation of the drag force, proposing the equation F(v) = c ρ A v², and discusses how to derive acceleration from this equation.
  • There is a correction regarding the inclusion of atmospheric pressure in the drag force, with a participant stating that only air density should be considered.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for the absolute value of velocity in the drag force equation, asserting that air resistance acts in the opposite direction of velocity.
  • Another participant mentions normalizing units as a preliminary step in solving the problem.
  • One participant challenges the classification of the problem as a second-order differential equation, suggesting the use of vector notation and the definition of linear momentum instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formulation of the drag force and the appropriate approach to solving the problem. There is no consensus on the best method to tackle the problem, and multiple competing perspectives are presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of variables and the conditions under which the equations apply. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the problem's complexity and the mathematical techniques required.

arkssd
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hello,

what would be the best way to approach this problem

A skydiver is jumping out of a plane at :

Initial velocity = 100 mph

Initial position = 2000 m

acceleration due to gravity = -9.81

I need help finding air friction at different positions, change in acceleration and change in velocity ?

i think u calculate air friction
A= f * v * v(abs) * cd

A= acceleration

f= atmospheric pressure

v= velocity

s= surface area

cd= drag coefficient
 
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Start off with Newton's 2nd Law (For constant mass) in scalar form:

[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n} F_{i} = ma[/tex]

rewrite it as

[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n} F_{i} = m \frac{dv}{dt}[/tex]

or

[tex]\sum_{i=1}^{n} F_{i} = m \frac{d^{2} x}{dt^{2}}[/tex]

And solve the ODEs formed
 
arkssd said:
hello,

what would be the best way to approach this problem

A skydiver is jumping out of a plane at :

Initial velocity = 100 mph

Initial position = 2000 m

acceleration due to gravity = -9.81

I need help finding air friction at different positions, change in acceleration and change in velocity ?

i think u calculate air friction
A= f * v * v(abs) * cd

A= acceleration

f= atmospheric pressure

v= velocity

s= surface area

cd= drag coefficient

the general form of that equation looks familiar, but isn't it actually:

[tex]F(v) = c \rho A v^2[/tex]

where [itex]A[/tex] is the surface area? Acceleration would then be:<br /> <br /> [tex]a(v) = \frac{c \rho A v^2}{m} = \frac{c \rho A}{m} ({\frac{dx}{dt}})^2[/tex]<br /> <br /> integrating with respect to time will give the velocity as a function of time, but this is a 2nd order DE so you need to solve the DE and plug in your initial value conditions.[/itex]
 
Not really II-nd order.Use Newton's second law in vector and the definition of linear momentum.

Daniel.
 
Normalize your units first off.
 
There's no atmospheric pressure in the drag force,just the air's density...

Daniel.
 
quetzalcoatl9 said:
the general form of that equation looks familiar, but isn't it actually:

[tex]F(v) = c \rho A v^2[/tex]

where [itex]A[/tex] is the surface area? Acceleration would then be:<br /> <br /> [tex]a(v) = \frac{c \rho A v^2}{m} = \frac{c \rho A}{m} ({\frac{dx}{dt}})^2[/tex]<br /> <br /> integrating with respect to time will give the velocity as a function of time, but this is a 2nd order DE so you need to solve the DE and plug in your initial value conditions.[/itex]
[itex] Nope, this is false; air resistance always works in the opposite direction of the velocity; that's why you need the absolute value sign here.[/itex]
 

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