Equation of Motion for a Projectile Under Quadratic Air Resistance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving the equation of motion for a projectile thrown vertically, specifically considering the effects of quadratic air resistance alongside gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between gravitational force and air resistance, questioning how to represent these forces mathematically. There is discussion about the correct formulation of equations for both upward and downward motion, and the role of integration in solving for velocity as a function of time.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing insights on integration techniques and variable substitution. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of arctan in integrals, but there is no clear consensus on the approach to take for solving the equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the integration process and the implications of constants in their equations. There are references to specific terms and variables that may not be fully defined within the discussion.

  • #91
I realized that after I wrote it.

so subbing u back in I get...

-sqrt[m/gc]arctan [sqrt[c/mg] xv
 
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  • #92
Oblio said:
I realized that after I wrote it.

so subbing u back in I get...

-sqrt[m/gc]arctan [sqrt[c/mg] xv

yes...but you need a constant so:

t = -\sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v) + C

we can solve for C by subsituting in t = 0, v = v0

so C = \sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v0)

So t = -\sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v) + \sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v0)
 
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  • #93
Ok, and somehow my two square roots will boil down to v(ter)/g and vo/v(ter) ?
 
  • #94
EDIT:

actually no... you don't need to do this... sorry about that...

you can solve for vter... at the terminal velocity the net force is 0...

mg = cv^2

vter = sqrt(mg/c)

that should work...
 
Last edited:
  • #95
I only need the time to the top of the trajectory though?
Are you sure I need to find the time for down?
 
  • #96
Oblio said:
I only need the time to the top of the trajectory though?
Are you sure I need to find the time for down?

yeah you're right. you don't need that part. I think you're almost done.
 
  • #97
learningphysics said:
yeah you're right. you don't need that part. I think you're almost done.


lol phew I was worried for a sec.

have I already defined the relation that will give me

t(top) = \frac{v(ter)}{g}arctan(\frac{vo}{v(ter)}) ?
 
  • #98
Oblio said:
lol phew I was worried for a sec.

have I already defined the relation that will give me

t(top) = \frac{v(ter)}{g}arctan(\frac{vo}{v(ter)}) ?

yeah, look at post #92, with the constant evaluated... you want the time when v = 0. What time do you get? Try to sub in vter...
 
  • #99
Ok, one sec. But vter is when v=0 ?
 
  • #100
just C?
 
  • #101
Oblio said:
Ok, one sec. But vter is when v=0 ?

No. look at post #94 for vter.
 
  • #102
Oblio said:
Ok, one sec. But vter is when v=0 ?

v=0 is at the top of the trajectory.
 
  • #103
learningphysics said:
No. look at post #94 for vter.



Ok I thought you were saying that :P
 
  • #104
I got t=c for v=0
 
  • #105
and vter = sqrt[mg/c]
 
  • #106
Oblio said:
I got t=c for v=0

yes. And I've calculated C in post #92.
 
  • #107
I can manipulate the right to get the correct v/vter, but not the left yet. I need g in the denominator, but I also need it for vter...
 
  • #108
Oblio said:
I can manipulate the right to get the correct v/vter, but not the left yet. I need g in the denominator, but I also need it for vter...

vter = sqrt(mg/c)

what is vter/g ?
 
  • #109
sqrt[m/c]

but now with all the stuff C brought in I don't have the equation I'm after anymore
 
  • #110
Oblio said:
sqrt[m/c]

No, vter/g = sqrt(m/cg)

but now with all the stuff C brought in I don't have the equation I'm after anymore

I don't understand... you need to get the time to the top of the trajectory right?

time to the top of the trajectory = C.
 
  • #111
Oblio said:
lol phew I was worried for a sec.

have I already defined the relation that will give me

t(top) = \frac{v(ter)}{g}arctan(\frac{vo}{v(ter)}) ?


Yeah, the question said to solve it to this:

which I have withOUT c.. lol.. I don't get it
 
  • #112
it's the exact same thing though..
whats that mean?
 
  • #113
Oblio said:
it's the exact same thing though..
whats that mean?

t = -\sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v) + \sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v0)

you need t when v = 0,

t_{top} = \sqrt{\frac{m}{gc}}arctan(\sqrt{\frac{c}{mg}}*v0)

And this equals: \frac{vter}{g}arctan(\frac{v0}{vter})
 
  • #114
Your right. I get it!
 
  • #115
when you do

sqrt[mg/c] /g

=sqrt[mg/c] x 1/g
=sqrt[mg/cg]

Now I know this is wrong, but...why?
 
  • #116
Oblio said:
when you do

sqrt[mg/c] /g

=sqrt[mg/c] x 1/g
=sqrt[mg/cg]

Now I know this is wrong, but...why?

when you bring the g under the square root... you need to square it... g = sqrt(g^2)

so your last step would be

=sqrt[mg/(cg^2)]
 
  • #117
*high school flash back*

Right!
 
  • #118
with gravity, wouldn't this give me negative time values?
 

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