Example 8. The
model in Example 3 is the quadratic drag model. The
following is not.
Let's check it out.
Solution 8.
Use the same initial conditions as in the first case in Example 7.
![[Graphics:../Images/ProjectileMotionMod_gr_399.gif]](../Images/ProjectileMotionMod_gr_399.gif)
Observe that this is different from our previous result.
![[Graphics:../Images/ProjectileMotionMod_gr_403.gif]](../Images/ProjectileMotionMod_gr_403.gif)
To convince ourselves that the model in Example 3 is correct, recall that velocity is a vector valued function, and its magnitude is
.
The tangent vector to the curve is
, and
the component of air resistance in the direction of the x-axis
is
which simplifies to be
.
Similarly, the component of air resistance in the direction of the
y-axis is
.
Hence, the model in Example 7 is correct.
(c) John H. Mathews 2004