What is the Terminal Velocity with Linear Drag?

In summary, terminal speed with linear drag is the maximum velocity an object can reach when falling through a fluid with a constant force of drag acting against it. It is calculated using the formula Vt = mg/cd, where Vt is the terminal speed, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and cd is the drag coefficient. The terminal speed is affected by factors such as the mass and shape of the object, the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the drag coefficient. Real-life examples include skydiving, bungee jumping, and parachuting. Terminal speed with linear drag differs from terminal speed with gravitational acceleration only in that it occurs when an object is falling through a fluid, while
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PsychonautQQ
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Homework Statement


An object moves through a liquid horizontally against a linear drag force given by F = -cv
What is the terminal velocity? Initial Velocity is V_0


Homework Equations


F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution



m(dv/dt) = -cv
-->
(dv/v) = (-c/m)dt
ln(vf/v0) = -ct/m
vf=v0*e^(-ct/m)

which says that as time goes to infinity that vf will equal v0 but that doesn't make any sense physically... what did I do wrong here?
 
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  • #2
Take the limit incorrectly? ##V_f## approaches 0 as ##t \to \infty##, no?
 
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FAQ: What is the Terminal Velocity with Linear Drag?

What is terminal speed with linear drag?

Terminal speed with linear drag is the maximum velocity an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air, with a constant force of drag acting against it.

How is terminal speed with linear drag calculated?

The formula for calculating terminal speed with linear drag is Vt = mg/cd, where Vt is the terminal speed, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and cd is the drag coefficient.

What factors affect the terminal speed with linear drag?

The terminal speed with linear drag is affected by the mass and shape of the object, the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the drag coefficient of the object.

What are some real-life examples of terminal speed with linear drag?

Terminal speed with linear drag can be observed in activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and parachuting, where the drag from the air helps to slow down the falling object.

How does terminal speed with linear drag differ from terminal speed with gravitational acceleration only?

Terminal speed with linear drag occurs when an object is falling through a fluid with a constant force of drag acting against it, while terminal speed with gravitational acceleration only occurs when an object is falling in a vacuum with no air resistance. This means that the terminal speed with linear drag is typically lower than the terminal speed with gravitational acceleration only.

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