Comparison horizontal distance in presence of resistance

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the analysis of a particle projected under gravity with horizontal resistance. The first part confirms the formula for horizontal range, R = U/k (1 - e^(-kT)), where T = 2V/g. The second part involves calculating the horizontal distance D before reaching the highest point, with a suggestion that D could be expressed as R = U/k (1 - e^(-kT/2)). The final point emphasizes the need to demonstrate that D is greater than R/2, leading to a discussion on the relationship between the two distances. Overall, the conversation revolves around solving the equations of motion while considering horizontal resistance.
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Homework Statement


A particle of mass m kg is projected under gravity with horizontal and vertical components of velocity U and V. There is horizontal resistance of magnitude mku, where k is constant and u is horizontal component of the velocity at t seconds. No vertical resistance present.
(i) Show horizontal range from point of projection is R = \frac{U}{k} (1 - e^{-kT}) where T = 2V/g
(ii) Find the horizontal distance D traveled before reaching the highest point of its path
(iii) Show that D > R/2

Homework Equations


Integration
Newton's law
Kinematics

The Attempt at a Solution


(i) I did this and got the answer

(ii) For this question, is it only changing the time from T to T/2? So the answer is R = \frac{U}{k} (1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}) ?

(iii) I do not know how to do this one.

\frac{D}{R} = \frac{1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}}{1 - e^{-kT}} and I need to show this will be bigger than 1/2

Thanks
 
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ii No
iii Neither
 
Correction o:) no vertical resistance, so: parabola y(t), max at halfway
 
iii can you divide ##1-e^ {kt}## by ##1-e^{kt\over 2}## ?
 
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BvU said:
iii can you divide ##1-e^ {kt}## by ##1-e^{kt\over 2}## ?

\frac{D}{R} = \frac{1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}}{1 - e^{-kT}}

= \frac{1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}}{(1 - e^{\frac{-kT}{2}}) (1+ e^{\frac{-kT}{2}})}

= \frac{1}{1+ e^{\frac{-kT}{2}}}

Then how to proceed?

Thanks
 
songoku said:
\frac{D}{R} = \frac{1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}}{1 - e^{-kT}}

= \frac{1 - e^{-\frac{kT}{2}}}{(1 - e^{\frac{-kT}{2}}) (1+ e^{\frac{-kT}{2}})}

= \frac{1}{1+ e^{\frac{-kT}{2}}}

Then how to proceed?

Thanks
can be = e^{\frac{-kT}{2}} greater than 1?
 
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ehild said:
can be = e^{\frac{-kT}{2}} greater than 1?
In this question, k can not be negative?

Thanks
 
songoku said:
resistance
No, resistance is always opposed to the motion, so ##k## is positive.
 
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Thank you very much for the help BvU and ehild
 
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