Projectile MotionProjectile MotionThis model represents the motion of a body as it falls. In classic physics problems, the issue of drag is avoided by assuming that the body is relatively heavy compared with its cross-section and moving at a relatively slow speed. In this model, however, the force of drag is taken into account in order to get a more accurate representation of a body falling through the air.
Rather than groups or populations, the model represents an algebraic equation. The forces of gravity and drag combine to exert a net force on the object, which then moves according to the equation F = ma. The position, momentum, and force of the object are measured and graphed.
In the default setup, drag is set to zero. You may wish to change drag to a more realistic value in order to make your calculations more accurate. You can also change the force of gravity to simulate problems on other planets. When you run the simulation, the results will be graphed to the right.
If drag is zero or very small, the force will be constant, the momentum will decrease linearly, and the body will follow a parabolic curve with time. Adding drag will change the shape of each of these lines.