Motion of a mass of air around Earth.

[Ascendant78]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

For starters, I am a bit confused about how to work on this problem considering the only relevant equations given for this problem (in the chapter we are currently in) are the two equations for F_r and F_φ for a 2-D polar coordinate system. I'm not sure if I should assume there are no other forces and as such use these two as a general solution, but if I do so, I am at a loss as to how to go about addressing c)?

 

[Simon Bridge]

How did you address a and b?

 

[Ascendant78]

I figured it out. Thank you for asking though. The coordinates our professor wanted us to use weren't even in that section. Apparently, this is something he only covered during office hours and forgot to mention in class. Gotta love physics professors, lol.