Write the linear drag as , with , and let be the projectile's mass. Taking upward as positive, Newton's second law givesThe downward terminal velocity is , whereEquivalently, if the drag acceleration is specified as , then . Solving the first-order equation,The highest point occurs at , soFor an upward launch this root is positive and there, confirming a maximum height. As , expanding the logarithm gives the drag-free result . A horizontal launch has its highest point at launch; a downward launch from the ground does not have a later airborne maximum.
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