Re-Evaluating the Classical Falling Body Problem

Abstract

This paper re-analyzes the falling body problem in three dimensions, taking into account the effect of the Earth’s rotation (ER). Accordingly, the analytic solution of the three-dimensional model is obtained. Since the ER is quite slow, the three coupled differential equations of motion are usually approximated by neglecting all high order terms. Furthermore, the theoretical aspects describing the nature of the falling point in the rotating frame and the original inertial frame are proved. The theoretical and numerical results are illustrated and discussed.