Comparison horizontal distance in presence of resistance

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle projected under gravity with horizontal and vertical components of velocity, facing horizontal resistance. The task includes deriving expressions for horizontal range and distance traveled before reaching the highest point, while also exploring the relationship between these distances.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the horizontal range and the distance before reaching the highest point, questioning the time variable's role in calculations. Some participants express uncertainty about the relationships between the distances and the implications of resistance on the motion.

Discussion Status

Several participants have attempted to derive the necessary relationships and have shared their findings. There is ongoing exploration of the mathematical expressions involved, with some participants questioning the assumptions regarding resistance and the behavior of the exponential terms in the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the absence of vertical resistance and the implications this has on the trajectory of the particle. The discussion includes clarifications about the nature of the resistance constant, k, and its expected positivity.

songoku
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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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