Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2017 / 7 / ii / Solution

For positive linear drag, $v_x$ decays exponentially toward zero. The vertical velocity decreases monotonically toward $-mg/\alpha$, with an initially steeper gradient $-g-(\alpha /m)v_0\sin \theta$ and positive second time derivative for an upward launch. It crosses zero atThe right panel shows the two components and the formal terminal velocity. To identify the end of the physical flight, integrate the vertical velocity once:The first positive root of $y(t)=0$ is ground contact. The terminal velocity need not be reached before that event; dashed portions in the sketch are mathematical extensions without a ground surface.