Experimental Mathematics: Mathematica's Role in Obtaining New Results on Projectile Motion

Ed Packel

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Lake Forest College

Abstract

This talk will highlight the key role played by Mathematica in recently developed results on projectile motion with linear resistance. These include several new formulas involving the Lambert W function (Mathematica's ProductLog) as well as a theorem motivated by results obtained with Mathematica. In particular, symbolic solutions are found for the range of a projectile and for the launch angle that maximizes the range. Visual illustrations will be provided with the help of the Manipulate command.