How Do You Calculate the Force of Air Friction on a Falling Basketball?

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To calculate the force of air friction on a falling basketball, first determine the gravitational force using the equation fg = ma, which yields 24.5 N for a 2.5 kg basketball. The actual acceleration of the ball is 9.4 m/s², which is less than the gravitational acceleration of 9.8 m/s² due to air resistance. The difference in acceleration indicates the presence of air friction, which can be calculated using the equation ma = mg + Fdrag. By rearranging this equation, Fdrag can be found as Fdrag = mg - ma. The presence of air causes the basketball to experience a net force that reduces its acceleration compared to free fall in a vacuum.
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NEWTON'S LAWS: please help!

:eek:

so I am kinda stuck.

problem:

a 2.5kg basketball is dropped from the top of a building. its acceleration is found to be 9.4m/s2 as it drops to the ground. What is the force of air friction on the ball as it falls?

so like...

a=9.4
m-2.5kg
ffs=?
fg=ma
=(2.5)(9.8)
fg= 24.5N

now how do i find Ffs?
 
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What would the acceleration be if there were no air (like in a vacuum)? What causes the difference? How can you use F=ma to solve for the air resistance force and acceleration?
 
from ma=mg+Fdrag that simple. a is given, g is 9.8
 

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