Object falling with non-constant gravity

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The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of an object falling under non-constant gravity, specifically when gravity decreases linearly with height, expressed as g = g0 - hg'. The user attempts to derive the speed as a function of height and time after dropping the object from an initial height ho. They initially integrate acceleration in terms of height, resulting in the equation v = g0h - 0.5g'h^2. However, they encounter difficulties in expressing height as a function of time and seek guidance on the correct approach to solve the problem.

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The exact problem reads: The acceleration of gravity g is a constant only for a limited
range of height differences. A better approximation, one that
might hold over a larger range of height differences, is that g decreases
linearly with height, g = go - hg', where h is the
height measured from the ground surface and s' is a (small) constant
of the appropriate dimensions. (a) Find the speed of a
dropped object as a function of height assuming it was dropped
starting from rest from a height ho. (b) Find the speed of
a dropped object as a function of time assuming it was dropped
starting from rest from a height ho.

What I've tried to do so far for part a was to integrate acceleration in terms of h. I'm not sure if that is even allowed, but I ended up getting v = g0h - 0.5g'h^2

Then on part b, I more or less got stuck trying to get a formula for h in terms of t, and I'm not quite sure where to start.

I may just be thinking about this incorrectly, so any input on the best method for starting this problem would be welcome.
 
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At any instant, acceleration is given as
g = dv/dt= dv/dh*dh/dt = v*dv/dh = go - hg'
Now find the integration to find v in terms of h.
Now g = go - hg' = go + ( ho - 1/2*gt2)g'
Collect the terms containing g and write g = ...
Then write g = dv/dt and find the integration to find v in terms of t.
 
Last edited:

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