Throwing a Ball Up: Motion & Time to Max Height

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In summary, the conversation discusses an object being thrown vertically in a linear medium. The expressions for the object's velocity and position are given, as well as the equation of motion. The solutions for both velocity and position are then derived. The conversation ends with a confirmation of the time it takes for the object to reach its maximum height.
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Dustinsfl
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Consider an object that is thrown vertically up with initial speed $v_0$ in a linear medium.
Measuring $y$ upward from the point of release, write expressions for the object's velocity $v_y(t)$ and position $y(t)$.
The equation of motion is
\begin{alignat*}{3}
m\dot{v}_y & = & -mg - bv_y\\
& = & -b\left(\frac{mg}{b} + v_y\right)\\
\dot{v}_y & = & -\frac{b}{m}\left(v_{\text{ter}} + v_y\right)\\
& = & -\frac{1}{\tau}\left(v_{\text{ter}} + v_y\right)\\
\int_{v_0}^{v_y}\frac{dv_y'}{v_{\text{ter}} + v_y'} & = & -\frac{1}{\tau}\int_0^t dt'\\
\ln\left(\frac{v_{\text{ter}} + v_y}{v_{\text{ter}} + v_0}\right) & = & -\frac{t}{\tau}\\
v_y(t) & = & (v_{\text{ter}} + v_0)e^{-t/\tau} - v_{\text{ter}}\\
& = & v_0e^{-t/\tau} - v_{\text{ter}}(1 - e^{-t/\tau})
\end{alignat*}
Next, we need to solve for $y(t)$ where $\dot{y}(t) = v_y(t)$.
\begin{alignat*}{3}
\dot{y}(t) & = & v_0e^{-t/\tau} - v_{\text{ter}}(1 - e^{-t/\tau})\\
\int_{y_0 = 0}^ydy' & = & \int_0^t(v_{\text{ter}} + v_0)e^{-t'/\tau}dt' - \int_0^tv_{\text{ter}} dt'\\
y(t) & = & -tv_{\text{ter}} + \tau(v_{\text{ter}} + v_0)(1 - e^{-t/\tau})\\
\end{alignat*}
The time it reaches $y_{\max}$ is $t = \tau\ln\left(1 + \frac{v_0}{v_{\text{ter}}}\right)$ correct?
 
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Correct.
 

FAQ: Throwing a Ball Up: Motion & Time to Max Height

What is the equation for calculating the time it takes for a ball to reach its maximum height when thrown upwards?

The equation for calculating the time to max height is t = v0/g, where t is time (in seconds), v0 is initial velocity (in meters per second), and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 meters per second squared).

How does the mass of the ball affect the time it takes to reach its maximum height?

The mass of the ball does not affect the time it takes to reach its maximum height. This is because the acceleration due to gravity is constant regardless of the mass of the object.

What factors influence the motion of a ball when thrown upwards?

The motion of a ball when thrown upwards is influenced by the initial velocity, the angle at which it is thrown, and the acceleration due to gravity.

Can a ball reach the same maximum height when thrown upwards at different angles?

No, the angle at which a ball is thrown affects the maximum height it can reach. The optimal angle for maximum height is 45 degrees, but throwing the ball at a higher angle will result in a lower maximum height.

How does air resistance affect the motion and time to max height of a ball thrown upwards?

Air resistance can decrease the maximum height a ball can reach and increase the time it takes to reach that height. This is because air resistance acts as an opposing force to the ball's motion, slowing it down and reducing its overall trajectory.

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