[Phys-L] Re: projectiles

[betwys1 at SBCGLOBAL.NET (Brian Whatcott)]

At 01:25 PM 12/31/2004, David B., you wrote:
> Regarding Jack's contribution to the projectile discussion:
>
> ///
> Jack, although the convergence rate is impressive, I don't understand
> your reason for the iterative solution of your equation 2.) above.
> The equation is explicitly solvable for the angle a. The solution is:
>
> a = (1/2)*arcos(q/(2 + q))

///

> David Bowman


I will admit to sympathizing with Jack's preference for iterative
methods.    They are much more general of course, and can finesse
explicit solutions of exalted complication. For example, if one
  cannot explicitly solve for the trajectory of a projectile subject
to air resistance in the general case, why not settle for a method
  that will?  :-)



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!