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Exponentially damped oscillatory motion is often encountered early in a physics student&#39;s education. The closed form solution in the case of linear-in-velocity drag makes this an attractive first model, but realistic systems typically include constant- and/or quadratic-in-velocity drag. The equations of motion for non-linear drag can be solved numerically so that data can be fit using more accurate models. A data set is presented and analyzed which students can use to explore topics such as differing models of friction, numerical modeling techniques, and evaluating and quantifying the agreement between a model and data. Code and data are provided for physics instructors&#39; use.

AAPT SM20

Modeling linear and non-linear drag in horizontal oscillatory motion

fitting

drag

computation

The 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting brought together physics educators from around the globe to learn about the latest in physics theory, research methodology and education from leaders in their field. The program featured plenary speakers, sessions, workshops and many special activities.

For more information please visit the 2020 AAPT Virtual Summer Meeting page at: https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/SM2020/index.cfm.


Exponentially damped oscillatory motion is often encountered early in a physics student's education. The closed form solution in the case of linear-in-velocity drag makes this an attractive first model, but realistic systems typically include constant- and/or quadratic-in-velocity drag. The equations of motion for non-linear drag can be solved numerically so that data can be fit using more accurate models. A data set is presented and analyzed which students can use to explore topics such as differing models of friction, numerical modeling techniques, and evaluating and quantifying the agreement between a model and data. Code and data are provided for physics instructors' use.

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Modeling linear and non-linear drag in horizontal oscillatory motion

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