Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems · Problem 2-12

Oscillations — Marion & Thornton

Physics — Mechanics · vertical-projectile-quadratic-resistance-return-speed

Problem

A particle is projected vertically upward in a constant gravitational field with an initial speed v0v_0. Show that if there is a retarding force proportional to the square of the instantaneous speed, the speed of the particle when it returns to the initial position is v0vtv02+vt2\frac{v_0 v_t}{\sqrt{v_0^2 + v_t^2}} where vtv_t is the terminal speed.

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