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arXiv · 1908.08038

Time Scale for Velocity to Track a Force

Chris L. Lin
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Abstract

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 $\tau$ it takes a constant force that makes an angle $\alpha$ with the initial velocity $\vec{v}(0)$ to have $\vec{v}(\tau)$ get within an angle $\theta<\alpha$ 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.

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Chris L. Lin. 2019-08-21. Time Scale for Velocity to Track a Force. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.5126827

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