Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: When introducing the dynamics of projectile motion in a first year calculus course it is common to follow Galileo's example of making the simplifying assumption of negligible air resistance. This makes sense as it creates a problem that novice modelers are able to solve analytically. At the same time, we do want to impress on students the dramatic effect that air resistance has on projectiles in the real world. One way to do this is via a discussion of how the invention of the ballistic pendulum in the early 18th century influenced understanding of the true effect of air resistance on projectiles and how Leonhard Euler applied this knowledge to improve Galileo's model.