Equations for a mass falling to Earth from a distance

In summary: By adding more dimensions, we may be able to create a more accurate model that takes into account other factors that affect the object's movement, such as wind direction and turbulence.
  • #1
shibe
3
0
I have a question :
If we consider the change in g due to distance from the Earth core; then

y=distance from earth’s core
t=time
G=gravitation constant
M=Earth’s mass
k=GM

$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}$$

If we consider air resistive force as proportional to speed squared, then:

m=falling object mass
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-by’(t)^2$$

And if we go even further beyond:
Then we know that the air density changes depending on the distance of the falling object from the Earth which would affect the drag coefficient, so the constant b is a function of y.

So we have the second order, non linear differential equation :

$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-b(y)y’(t)^2$$

So my question is,

0.) what is the precise relationship between the constant b and distance from the Earth core ?

1.) how to experimentally determine drag coefficient ?

2) how to solve the given differential equation?

3.) *HOW TO IMPROVE THE MODEL EVEN FURTHER* ?
 
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  • #2
shibe said:
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-by(t)^2$$

You are using the symbol ##y## for both, distance and speed.

shibe said:
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-b(y)y(t)^2$$

##b## also depends on speed.

shibe said:
0.) what is the precise relationship between the constant b and distance from the Earth core ?

For the density you may use the International Standard Atmosphere. For the drag coefficient see 1.)

shibe said:
1.) how to experimentally determine drag coefficient ?

With a wind tunnel or with numeric simulations.

shibe said:
2) how to solve the given differential equation?

Numerically

shibe said:
3.) *HOW TO IMPROVE THE MODEL EVEN FURTHER* ?

Maybe with additional dimensions.
 
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  • #3
[ thanks for the corrections and link to ISA ]

how does b depend on speed
For air resistance proportional to v^2 ,
The Eqn is $$F_R=\frac{dA}{2}v^2$$

F_R=Resistive force
d=Fluid density
A=surface area
So $$b=\frac{dA}{2}$$

Also what do you mean by add extra “dimensions”
 
  • #4
shibe said:
how does b depend on speed
That's complicate and depends on shape and surface properties. Here is an example for spheres and discs:
drag-disk.jpg

(The Reynolds number is proportional to speed.)

shibe said:
Also what do you mean by add extra “dimensions”

Your equation is one-dimensional but the space we live in has three dimensions.
 
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FAQ: Equations for a mass falling to Earth from a distance

What is the equation for calculating the time it takes for an object to fall to Earth from a certain distance?

The equation for calculating the time it takes for an object to fall to Earth from a certain distance is t = √(2d/g), where t is the time in seconds, d is the distance in meters, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²).

How do you calculate the velocity of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance?

The equation for calculating the velocity of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance is v = √(2gd), where v is the velocity in meters per second, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and d is the distance in meters.

What is the equation for determining the kinetic energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance?

The equation for determining the kinetic energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance is KE = ½mv², where KE is the kinetic energy in joules, m is the mass in kilograms, and v is the velocity in meters per second.

How do you calculate the potential energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance?

The equation for calculating the potential energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance is PE = mgh, where PE is the potential energy in joules, m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height in meters.

Is there an equation for determining the total energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance?

Yes, the equation for determining the total energy of an object falling to Earth from a certain distance is E = KE + PE, where E is the total energy in joules, KE is the kinetic energy in joules, and PE is the potential energy in joules.

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