Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential energy, kinetic energy, and conservation of energy for a golf ball and a tennis ball. The uncertainty and calculations for each are also mentioned. The topic of drag on an accelerating object is brought up, with the suggestion of using a linear or quadratic model to calculate the work lost to drag.
  • #1
ET333
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Homework Statement
I am currently writing a paper on conservation of energy in which I dropped a ball and calculated potential and kinetic energy. The issue I am having is that I have no idea how to incorporate drag force into my equations for P and K energy and also into my uncertainties. I have been looking every where for answers but cannot seem to find them. Please help!
Relevant Equations
Ke+Pe=Ke+Pe
Ke= 1/2 mv^2
Pe= mgh
1. Golf ball initial potential energy uncertainty (110-5kg 0.01 m 0.01m/s2)= 110-9J4.31210-5=4.31210-14j
2. Golf ball initial potential energy calculation (4.4 x10-4kg 9.8 m/s2 0.609 m)= 4.31210-54.31210-14j
3.Golf ball final potential energy uncertainty ( 110-5kg 0.0 m0.01 m/s2)= 0.0 J
4. Golf ball final potential energy calculation (4.4 x10-4kg 9.8 m/s2 0.0 m)= 0 0J
5. Initial velocity of golf ball Vi=dt → Vf=0.0m0.0 seconds =0m/s0J
6. Kinetic energy of golf ball initial calculation 1/2(4.4 x10-4kg0 m/s2)= 00 J
8. Final Kinetic energy of golf ball calculation 1/2(4.4 x10-4kg1.353 m/s2)= 4.0210-4 0.120 J
Final velocity of the golf ball uncertainty Vf uncertainty= 0.01m0.609m+0.01 seconds0.45 seconds=0.386 m/s
9. 1/2(4.4 x10-4kg1.353 m/s)= 4.0210-42.4710-5 J
10. Final kinetic energy uncertainty of the golf ball
((110-5kg4.410-4g)2+(20.0386m/s1.353m/s)2= 6.1410-2 x 4.0210-4 J=2.4710-5J
11. Initial Kinetic energy of golf ball calculation 1/2(4.4 x10-4kg0m/s2)=00 J
12. Initial kinetic energy uncertainty of the golf ball (110-5kg4.410-4g)2+(20.0m/s0.0m.s)2= 0.00 x 0.00 J=0.00J
13. Conservation of energy calculation
4.31210-54.31210-14J=4.0210-42.4710-5 J14. Tennis ball initial potential energy uncertainty (110-5kg 0.01 m 0.01m/s2)= 110-9J3.2810-4J=3.2810-12j
15. Tennis ball initial potential energy calculation (5.5 x10-4kg 9.8 m/s2 0.609 m)=3.28210-33.2810-12J
16.Tennis ball final potential energy uncertainty ( 110-5kg 0.0 m0.01 m/s2)= 0.0 J
17. Tennis ball final potential energy calculation (5.5 x10-4kg 9.8 m/s2 0.0 m)= 0 0J
18. Initial velocity of golf ball Vi=dt → Vf=0.0m0.0 seconds =0m/s0J
Final velocity of golf ball Vi=dt → Vf=0.609m0.47 seconds =1.295 m/s
19. Kinetic energy of golf ball initial calculation 1/2(3.28 x10-4kg0 m/s2)= 00 J
20. Final Kinetic energy of golf ball calculation 1/2(5.5 x10-4kg(1.295 m/s)2)=4.6110-42.7610-5J
21. Final velocity of the tennis ball Vf = 0.609m0.47s=1.296m/s
22. Final velocity of the tennis ball uncertainty Vf uncertainty= 0.01m0.609m+0.01 seconds0.47 seconds=0.037 m/s

23. Final kinetic energy uncertainty of the tennis ball
((110-5kg5.510-4g)2+(20.037m/s1.29m/s)2= 5.9910-2 x 4.6110-4J=2.7610-5J
24. Initial Kinetic energy of tennis ball calculation 1/2(5.5 x10-4kg0m/s2)=00 J
25. Initial kinetic energy uncertainty of the tennis ball (110-5kg5.510-4g)2+(20.0m/s0.0m.s)2= 0.00 x 0.00 J=0.00J
26. Conservation of energy tennis ball drop
3.28210-33.2810-12J = 4.6110-42.7610-5J
 
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  • #2
Drag on an accelerating object is a bit complicated. Starting from rest it is a linear function of speed, but at higher speeds transitions to quadratic. The transition point is determined by the Reynolds number. I am not sure where it would be in the context of your experiment.

If it is all in the linear phase then there is a closed form solution of the form ##v(t)=v_{terminal}(1-e^{-\rho t})##.
There is no closed form solution to the quadratic form, but if the drop were far enough to achieve terminal velocity (it will not be for your data) then you could calculate the terminal velocity and deduce the work lost to drag.
Or you could model quadratic drag and get a numeric solution.
 
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FAQ: Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient

What is potential energy and how is it calculated?

Potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration. It is calculated using the equation PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object.

How is kinetic energy defined and what is its formula?

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. It is defined as KE = 1/2 * mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

What is the drag coefficient and how does it affect potential and kinetic energy?

The drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that represents the resistance an object experiences as it moves through a fluid. It affects potential and kinetic energy by reducing the speed and height of an object due to the work done by the drag force.

How is the drag coefficient calculated?

The drag coefficient is calculated using the equation Cd = (2Fd)/(ρv^2A), where Fd is the drag force, ρ is the density of the fluid, v is the velocity of the object, and A is the reference area of the object.

What are some real-world applications of potential and kinetic energy equations with drag coefficient?

These equations are commonly used in fields such as aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and mechanical engineering to design and analyze the performance of objects moving through fluids, such as airplanes, cars, and wind turbines. They are also used in sports, such as cycling and skiing, to optimize performance and reduce drag. In addition, these equations are essential in understanding the behavior of natural phenomena, such as ocean currents and weather patterns.

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