If air drag is a factor, how will it affect a projectile?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of air drag on a projectile's trajectory, velocity, and acceleration. Participants explore qualitative aspects of how air resistance influences these factors, considering concepts like terminal velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that air drag would limit a projectile's maximum velocity, referencing the concept of terminal velocity.
  • Another participant questions whether air drag can affect velocity without impacting acceleration, indicating uncertainty about the relationship between these variables.
  • A later reply expresses intent to research the question of whether air drag can selectively affect velocity or acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, and multiple competing views remain regarding the specific effects of air drag on velocity and acceleration.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the conditions under which air drag operates and its dependence on factors such as speed and shape of the projectile are not fully explored.

rasalzari
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If air drag is a factor, how will it affect a projectile’s trajectory qualitatively? Its velocity? Its acceleration?
 
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If you think in the sense of terminal velocity, then it would prevent an object from going past a maximum velocity.
 
rasalzari said:
Its velocity? Its acceleration?
Can it affect one, but not the other?
 
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A.T. said:
Can it affect one, but not the other?
that i don't know i will research
 

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