Plotting Height vs Time for an Object Under Air Resistance

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on plotting height versus time for an object affected by air resistance modeled by the equation av + bv². The user seeks guidance on deriving height as a function of time using the equation of motion, specifically ma = av + bv² - mg. They express difficulty with calculus and inquire about numerical methods for integration. The conversation highlights the need for resources to tackle complex integrals and suggests using numerical integration techniques for practical implementation.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of numerical methods for solving differential equations.
  • Experience with graphing tools or software for plotting functions.
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  • Learn numerical integration techniques, such as the Runge-Kutta method.
  • Explore Python libraries like SciPy for numerical solutions to differential equations.
  • Study the physics of projectile motion under drag forces.
  • Investigate graphing software options, such as Matplotlib, for visualizing motion equations.
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Students and professionals in physics, engineers working with projectile motion, and anyone interested in computational methods for solving differential equations.

Opus_723
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If I wanted to make a graph of height versus time for an object under the effects of air resistance av+bv^2 and thrown with a given initial speed, how would I go about doing that? I was also hoping to get a y versus x graph for a projectile under the same drag, but I presume I could find x versus t the same way I end up finding y versus t and then treating the two like a parameterized curve.

I thought about using ma = av+bv^2-mg and taking the integral twice to get height as a function of time, but my limited calculus skills are failing at that. Even simplifying to just bv^2 seems to be too much for me. Is this the best way to do it? Is there a numerical way to do it? (I've never done integrals numerically on a computer or anything)

In general, I don't really know how to tackle these kinds of messy integrals. Are there any resources I could learn from?

Thanks.
 
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mdv/dt = av+bv^2 - mg

so:[tex]\int \frac{mdv}{av+bv^2-mg} = \int dt[/tex]... then find the constant of integration from the fact that v(0)=u.

http://www.jstor.org/pss/2372332
 
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