Air Resistance Problem: Dropping two balls with different masses

In summary, air resistance, also known as drag, is a force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. It is caused by the friction between the object and the air molecules that surround it. The greater the surface area of an object, the more air resistance it experiences. This means that an object with a larger mass will experience more air resistance than an object with a smaller mass when dropped from the same height. In a vacuum, there is no air resistance to slow down the objects. Therefore, all objects, regardless of their mass, will fall at the same rate due to the force of gravity. To solve the air resistance problem, scientists use mathematical equations to calculate the force of air resistance on an object based on its shape
  • #1
Richard8786
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New user has been reminded to show their work on schoolwork problems
Homework Statement
A certain ping-pong ball has mass of 2.4 g and a terminal speed of 10.0 m/s as it falls through air. Suppose the same type of ping-pong ball is then filled with water such that it has a new mass of 21.6 g and it is dropped through the air. (a) Determine the acceleration of the water-filled ball as it falls at 10.0 m/s through the air. (b) Determine the terminal speed of the water-filled ball assuming that the air resistance is proportional to the square of the speed.
Relevant Equations
None
I am not sure how to even start this problem.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
You are supposed to show some "good faith" attempt at a solution. See guidelines.
 
  • #3
Richard8786 said:
I am not sure how to even start this problem.
Usual place: free body diagrams showing the forces acting in the different cases.
 
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FAQ: Air Resistance Problem: Dropping two balls with different masses

What is air resistance?

Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. It is caused by the collision of air molecules with the surface of the object, which creates a drag force.

How does air resistance affect the motion of objects?

Air resistance can slow down the motion of objects by creating a drag force that acts in the opposite direction of the object's motion. This force increases as the speed of the object increases and can eventually equal the force of gravity, causing the object to reach a terminal velocity.

Why do two objects with different masses experience different air resistance?

Air resistance is dependent on the surface area and velocity of an object. Objects with larger surface areas or higher velocities will experience greater air resistance. Therefore, two objects with different masses will experience different air resistance if they have different surface areas or velocities.

How does air resistance affect the acceleration of objects?

As air resistance acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion, it can decrease the acceleration of the object. This is because some of the force that would have caused the object to accelerate is now being used to overcome air resistance.

Can air resistance be eliminated?

Air resistance cannot be completely eliminated, but it can be reduced. Objects with streamlined shapes or smooth surfaces experience less air resistance than objects with irregular shapes or rough surfaces. Additionally, air resistance can be reduced by decreasing the speed or surface area of an object.

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