Projectile with a linear air resistance force question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the maximum horizontal range of a projectile affected by linear air resistance, represented by the equation (v0 + g/k)(x/u0) + (g/k^2)ln(1 - kx/u0) = 0. The equation cannot be solved analytically and requires numerical methods or approximations for small k values. The second part of the problem involves approximating the maximum range, resulting in the formula xmax = 2v0u0/g - 8v0*v0*u0*k/3g^2. The user expresses difficulty in understanding the approximation method, particularly in applying Taylor series to derive the second term. Clarification on the approximation process is sought to resolve these challenges.
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Homework Statement



OK I hope someone will help me with this

For a projectile with a linear air resistance force Fs =−mkv, show that the maximum horizontal range is given by the equation

(v0 + g/k)(x/u0) + (g/k^2)ln(1 - kx/u0) = 0


where u0 = V costheta, v0 = V sintheta are the horizontal and vertical components of the initial velocity.

The above equation cannot be solved in closed form, either it is solved numerically (e.g. using MAPLE) or it may be approximated, assuming that the correction with k =/= 0 is small. For the latter method show that

xmax = 2v0u0/g - 8v0*v0*u0*k/3g^2


Homework Equations


(v0 + g/k)(x/u0) + (g/k^2)ln(1 - kx/u0) = 0


The Attempt at a Solution



I've done the first part (finding the equation given) but I really don't know what the second part means (the bit about approximation). I tried using taylor series to 2 terms but this just gives the first term not the second, so I'm stumped. Can anyone shed some light on this?
 
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I'm going to assume that the equations given are:

<br /> \frac{x}{v_{0x}} \left ( v_{0y} + \frac{g}{k} \right ) + \frac{g}{k^2} {\ln \left ( 1 - \frac{kx}{v_{0x}} \right ) } = 0

and

<br /> x = \frac{2v_{0y}v_{0x}}{g} - \frac{8k v_{0y}v_{0x}}{3g^2}.<br />

Besides that, I have absolutely no idea. >_<
 
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