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Effect of Air Resistance
Air resistance reduces range and maximum height, breaks trajectory symmetry, and alters time of flight compared with the ideal parabolic model.
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Recommended for Class 11
31. Effect of Air Resistance
Without air resistance: Horizontal velocity remains constant. The trajectory is parabolic. Motion is symmetrical for equal launch and landing levels. With air resistance: Horizontal velocity decreases. The upward and downward paths are no longer symmetrical. Maximum height decreases. Horizontal range decreases. The trajectory is no longer a perfect parabola. The time of flight is altered. The textbook’s simplified discussion describes an increase in flight time for its illustrated case. In real conditions, the exact time change depends on the form and strength of drag.
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Practice
Q1. Explain how air resistance changes an ideal trajectory.