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The launch speed is \( V_{0}\) and the launch angle (i.e. the initial value of \( \psi\)) is \( \alpha\). Distance traveled from the launch point, measured along the trajectory, is \( s\) and speed \(V=\dot{s}\). The Equations of motion are: Horizontal: \[ \ddot{x} = -kV^{2}\cos\psi \tag{7.3.1}\label{eq:7.3.1} \] Vertical:
Ask students to guess what the motion of a projectile might depend on? Is the initial velocity important? Is the angle important? How will these things affect its height and the distance it covers? Introduce the concept of air resistance. Review kinematic equations.
Suppose, further, that, in addition to the force of gravity, the projectile is subject to an air resistance force which acts in the opposite direction to its instantaneous direction of motion, and whose magnitude is directly proportional to its instantaneous speed.
In our study of projectile motion, we assumed that air-resistance effects are negli-gibly small. But in fact air resistance (often called air drag, or simply drag) has a major effect on the motion of many objects, including tennis balls, bicycle riders, and airplanes.
Learn about projectile motion by firing various objects. Set parameters such as angle, initial speed, and mass. Explore vector representations, and add air resistance to investigate the factors that influence drag.
To describe projectile motion completely, we must include velocity and acceleration, as well as displacement. We must find their components along the x-and y-axes. Let’s assume all forces except gravity (such as air resistance and friction, for example) are negligible.
Here we will consider realistic and accurate models of air resistance that are used to model the motion of projectiles like baseballs.
