English

Time Scale for Velocity to Track a Force

Classical Physics 2025-06-05 v1 Physics Education

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 τ\tau it takes a constant force that makes an angle α\alpha with the initial velocity v(0)\vec{v}(0) to have v(τ)\vec{v}(\tau) get within an angle θ<α\theta<\alpha of the force. We then show how the addition of a viscous force decreases τ\tau logarithmically. The result can be generalized to any vector quantity whose first time derivative is a constant.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1908.08038,
  title  = {Time Scale for Velocity to Track a Force},
  author = {Chris L. Lin},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1908.08038},
  year   = {2025}
}

Comments

4 pages, 6 figures

R2 v1 2026-06-23T10:53:33.602Z