Need help - projectile motion with air resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on analyzing projectile motion with air resistance, specifically comparing the time to reach maximum height under two conditions: without air resistance and with a resisting force proportional to velocity. The user correctly identifies the equation of motion for the projectile with air resistance as F = m dv/dt = kv - mg, leading to the differential equation dv/dt = kv - g. The initial condition for solving this equation is established as v(t=0) = v0, where v0 is the initial velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of projectile motion principles
  • Concept of air resistance modeled as a force proportional to velocity
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  • Learn about solving first-order linear differential equations
  • Explore the effects of varying coefficients of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Investigate numerical methods for simulating projectile motion with air resistance
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Physics students, educators, and engineers interested in the dynamics of projectile motion and the effects of air resistance on trajectories.

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Need urgent help -- projectile motion with air resistance

Consider a projectile fired vertically in a constant gravitational field. For the same inital velocities, compare the times required for the projectile to reach its maximum height (a) for zero resisting force and (b) for a resisting force proportional to the instantaneous velocity of the projectile.

For a, I get t=-v0/a.
For b, I have the equation F= m dv/dt=kmv-mg, which leads me to
dv/dt=kv-g.
Is this correct...If so, I can take it from here.
If not what should it be?? What should my initial condition be to solve for the constant? Should it be v(t=0)=v0?

Thanks much!
 
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The resisting force is simply kv, rather than mkv and it is acting in the same direction as the gravitational force, mg.

Initial/end conditions are vi = vo and vf = 0.
 

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