In most projectile motion problems, air resistance is neglected. This oversimplification is acceptable in only a few special cases. This problem will illustrate the pitfalls of neglecting air resistance. We will start with the standard projectile motion equations given in the text and compare these results to results obtained using the equations of x and y as a function of time with air resistance. When air resistance is included, the equations are given below, with the introduction of the terminal velocity of the object, vt.
Part I. Calculate the range (a), maximum height (b) and time of flight (c) for no air resistance.
Part II. Repeat the calculation for a baseball and tennis ball using the same initial conditions.
Part III. Find the initial velocity needed to achieve the same range as the projectile motion equations using the same launch angle as in Part I
Now find the range, maximum height and time of flight including air resistance assuming a terminal velocity of 42 m/s for a baseball.
(d) R2 = m
(e) hmax2 = m
(f) T2 = sec
Calclate the initial velocity necessary to get the same range as part (a) including air resistance. i.e. How much harder will you need to hit the ball in the real world?