Question

A ball is launched vertically with an initial speed of y˙0= 50 m/s, and its acceleration is governed by y¨=-g-cDy˙2, where the air drag coefficient cD is given by cD= 0.001 m-1. What is the maximum height that the ball reaches? Compare this to the maximum height achieved when air drag is neglected.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Given

acceleration is given by

$a=-g-c_Dv^2$

where $\ddot{y}=a$

$\dot{y}=v$

Also acceleration is given by

$a=v\frac{\mathrm{d} v}{\mathrm{d} s}$

$ds=\frac{v}{a}dv$

$\int ds=\int \frac{v}{-g-0.001v^2}dv$

$\Rightarrow Let -g-0.001v^2=t$

$-0.001\times 2vdv=dt$

$vdv=-\frac{dt}{0.002}$

$at\ v_0=50\ m/s,\ t=-g-0.001(50)^2$

$t=-g-2.5$

at $v=0,\ t=-g$

$\int_{0}^{s}ds=\int_{-g}^{-g-2.5}\frac{-dt}{0.002t}$

$\int_{0}^{s}ds=\int^{-g}_{-g-2.5}\frac{dt}{0.002t}$

$s=\frac{1}{0.002}lnt|_{-g}^{-g-2.5}$

$s=\frac{1}{0.002}\ln (\frac{g+2.5}{g})$

$s=113.608\ m$

when air drag is neglected maximum height reached is

$h=\frac{v_0^2}{2g}$

$h=\frac{50^2}{2\times 9.8}$

$h=127.55\ m$