How Do I Calculate Acceleration with Air Resistance in Projectile Motion?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration due to air resistance in projectile motion, specifically for a baseball with a mass of 0.14273 kg, an initial velocity of 20 m/s, and a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.4. The equations used include ax = fairx/mass and ay = fairy + fg, where fairx is calculated as (0.4)(20cos45)^2, resulting in a force of 80 N. The calculated ax is approximately 560.5 m/s², indicating a misunderstanding of the relationship between drag force and velocity, as the acceleration values appear excessively high.

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hallowon
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Homework Statement


I'm trying to find the acceleration due to air resistance in x direction and acceleration due to air resistance +gravity in y component.

given variables
m-0.14273(baseball)
Cd=0.4
Vi=20m/s
angle= 45 degrees

Basically, I have to program a projectile motion program accounting air resistance, but my biggest problem physics wise is my huge ax, and y acceleration, which prevent my program to loop even more:/

Homework Equations


ax= fairx/mass = -cdVix^2/mass
ay= fairy+fg


The Attempt at a Solution



fairx= (0.4)(20cos45)^2=80N
ax= 80n/0.14263kg = 560.498844m/s^2
ay = well...its in the thousands >.>


does this mean i have to assume f=Cd*V instead of being proportional to V^2?
 
Last edited:
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Hi hallowon! :smile:
hallowon said:
ax= fairx/mass = -cdVix^2/mass

No, that can't be right …

a is L/T2, and the RHS is L2/T2 :confused: …

you need an extra factor with dimensions 1/length (or area/volume).

Maybe this will help … http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient"
 
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