Ball thrown with air resistance

In summary, the question asks whether it takes the ball more time to reach its maximum height or to fall from maximum height to the ground. Additionally, it asks which horizontal distance is bigger: the distance the ball moved before reaching maximum height or the distance after reaching maximum height and then reaching the ground. The speaker believes that the ball's speed in the horizontal direction is higher before reaching maximum height and lower after, but if the extra time it takes to land after reaching maximum height is longer, it may overcome the distance moved before reaching maximum height. However, regardless of whether the ball is moving up or down, it has the same distance to cover and is constantly slowing down in both directions. This means that its average speed is faster as it
  • #1
amiras
65
0
This question is bothering me much, please answer in detail.

For example if you throw a ball with initial speed (air resistance exists!) with an angle from horizontal.

1) Does it take more time for ball to reach its maximum height or to fall from maximum height to ground.

2) What horizontal distance is bigger? The distance ball moved before reaching maximum height or distance after reaching maximum height and then reaching the ground.

What I think:
The speed in horizontal direction is getting smaller all the time, so it is higher before reaching the maximum height then after it is going down. (so it might move bigger horizontal distance before reaching maximum height BUT)

But if the ball takes more time to land after it reaches maximum height, then the extra time might overcome the distance moved before reaching maximum height.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Well whether the ball moves up or comes back down, it has the same distance to cover.

But, it's constantly slowing down (horizontally and vertically). This means that it's average speed it faster as it's going up...

That's the mathematics talking. If you want to visualize it, imagine what happens when you punch a baloon up in the air...does it take longer for it to go up or come down?
 

Related to Ball thrown with air resistance

1. How does air resistance affect the trajectory of a ball thrown?

Air resistance, also known as drag force, is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. When a ball is thrown, air resistance acts in the opposite direction of its motion, causing it to slow down and deviate from its initial trajectory.

2. What factors affect the amount of air resistance on a ball thrown?

The amount of air resistance on a ball depends on several factors, such as the shape and size of the ball, the density of the air, the speed of the ball, and the surface texture of the ball.

3. How does the angle of throw affect air resistance on a ball?

The angle of throw can significantly impact the amount of air resistance on a ball. A ball thrown at a higher angle will experience less air resistance and travel further, while a ball thrown at a lower angle will experience more air resistance and travel a shorter distance.

4. Can air resistance be ignored when calculating the trajectory of a ball thrown?

No, air resistance cannot be ignored when calculating the trajectory of a ball. The effect of air resistance increases as the speed of the ball increases, and it can have a significant impact on the accuracy of trajectory calculations. Therefore, it is important to take into account air resistance when studying the motion of a ball thrown.

5. How can air resistance be reduced on a ball thrown?

Air resistance on a ball can be reduced by changing its shape or surface texture to make it more aerodynamic. Additionally, throwing the ball at a higher angle or increasing its speed can also help reduce air resistance and increase its distance traveled.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
315
Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
955
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
541
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
582
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top