Free Fall Questions Homework: Gravity, Drag, Force & Parachutes

In summary, this conversation covers topics related to gravity, drag, and terminal velocity. The first question discusses the acceptability of the downward acceleration value of gravity in Winnipeg on Earth and suggests using common technology to test this theory. The second question asks if air temperature affects drag on an object. The third question explains the phenomenon of experiencing a greater force when driving at a higher speed and asks for an estimation of the force. The final question discusses whether two football players of different weights should use the same style of parachute and considers safety issues related to terminal velocity.
  • #1
swimmer123
2
0

Homework Statement



a. Is the downward acceleration value of gravity in Winnipeg acceptable anywhere on Earth? why or why not? How could you test this theory using common technology (no computers)?

b. Does the temperature of air affect the drag on an object? Why or why not?

c. When you drive a car down the highway at 50 km/hr and stick your hand out the window you experience a force. When you are driving at 100 km/hr and stick your (same) hand out the window the force is greater. Explain this phenomenon and state how much larger you expect the force to be.

d. Two football players go skydiving. Assuming one player was a 130 kg OL and one was a 65 kg WR, should both players use the same style of parachute? Why or why not? Comment on safety issues using the concept of terminal velocity. How much bigger must the bigger chute be? Justify!

Homework Equations


The force of gravity in winnipeg is 9.81 N/kg
 
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  • #2
and so did you try to answer any of these questions?
 
  • #3
no, i wasn't sure how.
 

FAQ: Free Fall Questions Homework: Gravity, Drag, Force & Parachutes

What is free fall?

Free fall is the motion of an object under the influence of gravity alone. This means that the object is not experiencing any other forces, such as air resistance or friction.

What is the acceleration of objects in free fall?

The acceleration of objects in free fall is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared, also known as the acceleration due to gravity. This means that for every second an object is in free fall, its speed will increase by 9.8 meters per second.

How does air resistance affect free fall?

Air resistance, also known as drag, will affect the speed and motion of an object in free fall. As an object falls, it will experience a force in the opposite direction of its motion due to the air particles colliding with the object. This will cause the object to eventually reach a constant speed, known as terminal velocity, as the force of air resistance balances out the force of gravity.

How do parachutes work in free fall?

Parachutes work by increasing the surface area of an object, which in turn increases the amount of air resistance or drag it experiences. As an object falls with a parachute, the drag force will eventually equal the weight of the object, causing it to reach a constant speed and land safely on the ground.

How does mass affect free fall?

The mass of an object does not affect its acceleration due to gravity. However, a more massive object will experience a greater force of gravity, causing it to accelerate at the same rate as a less massive object but with a greater force. In free fall, all objects, regardless of mass, will accelerate at 9.8 meters per second squared.

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