Projectile Motion with Air Resistance problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a projectile motion problem involving air resistance, specifically seeking to determine the angle that maximizes the range of a projectile launched from ground level. The original poster mentions a teacher's assertion that this angle is 53 degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster suggests deriving the range equation from the equations of motion and then differentiating it to find the optimal angle. Other participants question the assumptions regarding the angle and the complexity of the air resistance model.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some express skepticism about the 53-degree angle and suggest that the angle for maximum range is typically lower than 45 degrees when air resistance is considered. There is no explicit consensus yet.

Contextual Notes

ahadpoolghaha
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hi.
Suppose that a projectile of mass "m" is launched, from ground level in a horizontal plain, making an angle teta to the horizontal .(with air resistance).now in which angle "m" has the maximum range? .(our teacher said that we should find 53 degrees for teta).please prove it.
(first of all we should find (x-t) and (v-t) equations.then we should find the equation of range with those 2 equations and then we should derivative the rang equation(dr/d(teta).
so we will find the angle in which the mass "m" has the maximum range.this is my idia.if anyone knows the answer of this question,please tell it.i need the diagram of the motion too.)thanks a lot.:smile:
 
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I think this thread should be in the homework location... none the less you state with air resistance. My understanding is that the equation that describes air resistance is pretty complicated and is normally simplified to either linear or quadratic approximation. But Newtons laws of motion with quadratic drag in horizontal and vertical motion results in a pair of differential equations that can only be solved numerically (there is no general solution).
 
Welcome to PF!

ahadpoolghaha said:
… our teacher said that we should find 53 degrees for theta …

Hi ahadpoolghaha! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(I've always understood that it's 45 degrees without air resistance.)

What formula for air resistance did your teacher tell you to use? :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi ahadpoolghaha! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(I've always understood that it's 45 degrees without air resistance.)

What formula for air resistance did your teacher tell you to use? :smile:

I'm pretty sure that theta is always lower than 45 degrees with any plausible
formula for air resistance (linear, quadratic)
 

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