Question:

A ball is thrown upward with an initial velocity \(V_0\) from the surface of the earth. The motion of the ball is affected by a drag force equal to \(m\gamma u^2\) (where m is mass of the ball, u is its instantaneous velocity and \(\gamma\) is a constant). Time taken by the ball to rise to its zenith is :

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While rising, both gravity and drag act downward: \(\dfrac{du}{dt}=-(g+\gamma u^2)\). Integrate from \(V_0\) to 0.
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\gamma g}}\tan^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}\,V_0\right)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\gamma g}}\ln\left(1+\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}\,V_0\right)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\gamma g}}\sin^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}\,V_0\right)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{2\gamma g}}\tan^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{2\gamma}{g}}\,V_0\right)\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

While going up, \(m\dfrac{du}{dt}=-mg-m\gamma u^2\Rightarrow \dfrac{du}{dt}=-(g+\gamma u^2)\).
Time to reach the top (u = 0): \(t=\displaystyle\int_{0}^{V_0}\dfrac{du}{g+\gamma u^2}=\dfrac{1}{g}\int_0^{V_0}\dfrac{du}{1+(\gamma/g)u^2}\).
Using \(\displaystyle\int\dfrac{du}{1+k^2u^2}=\dfrac1k\tan^{-1}(ku)\) with \(k=\sqrt{\gamma/g}\):
\(t=\dfrac{1}{g}\sqrt{\dfrac{g}{\gamma}}\tan^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}V_0\right)=\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\gamma g}}\tan^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}V_0\right)\).
Answer: (1) \(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{\gamma g}}\tan^{-1}\left(\sqrt{\dfrac{\gamma}{g}}V_0\right)\)
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