Abstract

Citation

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Groetsch, C. W. (2023). 2014-Groetsch-Yost-Vertical Projection in a Resisting Medium - Revelations on Observations of Mersenne. SIMIODE, QUBES Educational Resources. doi:10.25334/VGE4-P878

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Article Context

Description

Groetsch, C. W. and S. A. Yost. 2014. Vertical Projection in a Resisting Medium:  Revelations on Observations of Mersenne.  The American Mathematical Monthly. 21(6): 499-505.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.4169/amer.math.monthly.121.06.499 . Accessed 30 March 2023.

Article Abstract:  This article, inspired by a 17th-century woodcut, validates empirical observations of Marin Mersenne (1588–1648) on timing of vertically-launched projectiles for a general mathematical model of resistance.

This is a beautifully and carefully written work with excellent exposition, flowing mathematical development, and rich historical detail.  The issue addressed is one noted by Père Marin Mersenne in 1636,  “. . . the time of ascent of projected body is always less than the time of descent, the difference increasing width the velocity of the projection.” Groetsch and Yost first render the case of symmetry in the Galilean model in which there is no resistance in a very readable (especially for students) development.