Implementing wind into projectile calculation.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on incorporating wind effects into the projectile motion calculations of a rock thrown at a specific angle and velocity. The initial equation used is 2(vi^2)sin(theta)cos(theta)/9.8, which calculates distance without considering wind. Participants emphasize the need to start with the differential equations of motion (ΣF=ma) and account for drag force, which is typically modeled as a constant multiplied by the square of the speed. Additionally, it is clarified that wind influences both horizontal and vertical components of the projectile's motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Differential equations of motion (ΣF=ma)
  • Understanding of drag force and its calculation
  • Basic principles of projectile motion
  • Knowledge of vector components in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of drag force on projectile motion
  • Learn how to derive and apply differential equations in physics simulations
  • Explore wind vector analysis in two-dimensional motion
  • Investigate numerical methods for simulating projectile trajectories with environmental factors
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching projectile motion, and developers creating physics simulations who need to understand the impact of wind on projectile trajectories.

lamborghini
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Homework Statement


Calculate distance of a rock thrown at certain angle, velocity and wind speed/direction.

Homework Equations


I'm using this: 2(vi^2)sin(theta)cos(theta)/9.8 to calculate the distance of the throw. How could I implement a wind value and direction into this equation? This is only a 2D simulation, so the wind would only affect the x value.

Thanks for the help.
 
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Forget about equations at first ... draw a diagram and see what's going on and THEN figure out how to put it into an equation.
 
It is not a simple modification to that equation. You need to start with the differential equations of motion (ΣF=ma). In that, you will need to decide how drag affects speed. Drag force = constant x speed2 is usual.

It is not true that wind only affects the horizontal movement. It also slows vertical descent.
 

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