TenMillimaster
Member
in components, the sum of forces in the x direction: Force friction from air due to motion in the x direcction. Thats it. (If it weren't for gravity and friction, the bullet would travel forever. ) IN the y direction (which determines range, which we're interested in.) you've got the force of gravity, negative, and technically, friction due to motion in air, positive.
Frictional forces resist the direction of movement. Because the bullet is traveling at a some initial velocity in the x direction, friction due to air resists this motion in the x direction. Because the bullet is accelerating downwards in the y direction, the friction due to air resists this movement by adding a slight force up.
I admit this isn't the best representation, because air is a fluid, not a solid surface.
Geckgo,maybe the drag equation here will solve your woes? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_(physics)#Drag_at_high_velocity here is much more suitable to find the forces at work.
Frictional forces resist the direction of movement. Because the bullet is traveling at a some initial velocity in the x direction, friction due to air resists this motion in the x direction. Because the bullet is accelerating downwards in the y direction, the friction due to air resists this movement by adding a slight force up.
I admit this isn't the best representation, because air is a fluid, not a solid surface.
Geckgo,maybe the drag equation here will solve your woes? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_(physics)#Drag_at_high_velocity here is much more suitable to find the forces at work.