What is the equation for calculating terminal velocity?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of terminal velocity, particularly in the context of falling bodies and the equations that describe their motion. Participants are exploring how to calculate terminal velocity and the factors that influence it.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the expression for velocity as a function of time and how it relates to terminal velocity. Questions are raised about the meaning of the variables in the equation and the theoretical versus experimental determination of constants involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the relationship between forces acting on a falling object and the conditions for achieving terminal velocity. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the equations and their implications, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the constants in the equations, such as beta, are determined experimentally, indicating a potential gap in information regarding their values. Additionally, the original poster's phrasing about the "terminal velocity of an equation" raises questions about clarity in the problem statement.

ElDavidas
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hi again,

I'm pretty sure I understand the concept of terminal velocity in that there is an upper limit to the speed of a falling body. How do you calculate the terminal velocity of an equation?

For example:

[tex]v = \frac {g} {\beta}( e^{- \beta t} - 1)[/tex]

v represents velocity
 
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Don't know what you mean by "terminal velocity of an equation", but if that expression gives the speed as a function of time then just let [tex]t \rightarrow \infty[/tex].
 
What does all that represent?
 
Hi ElDavidas

I think that understand your question. I just know that this concept is relative, it means, in the context of falling bodies the formulae could be deduced theoretically, but however, the constants like your beta is determined only experimentally. Do you like another answer or is sufficient?
 
I think you need the terminal velocity of a free falling object. For any fluids, here air we have an equation that CpAv^2 = D where D is the drag force applied by the fluid on the object in a direction opposite to the relative motion of the first object. Now mg - D = ma. So a becomes zero when?(better now you do the rest) So that is how you get it.
 

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