Time Scale for Velocity to Track a Force

In this paper we derive and discuss the time it takes for a force to turn a velocity. More precisely, we derive the formula for the time t it takes a constant force that makes an angle a with the initial velocity v(0) to have v(Tau) get within an angle ? < a of the force. We then show how the add...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Physics teacher Vol. 57; no. 7; pp. 472 - 474
Main Author Lin, Chris L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published American Association of Physics Teachers 01.10.2019
Subjects
Mathematical Formulas
Physics
Science Instruction
Scientific Concepts
Time
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Summary:In this paper we derive and discuss the time it takes for a force to turn a velocity. More precisely, we derive the formula for the time t it takes a constant force that makes an angle a with the initial velocity v(0) to have v(Tau) get within an angle ? < a of the force. We then show how the addition of a viscous force decreases Tau logarithmically. The result can be generalized to any vector quantity whose first time derivative is a constant
ISSN:0031-921X
DOI:10.1119/1.5126827