Is air resistance dependent on mass?

In summary, air resistance is dependent on surface area, size, shape, surface texture, and velocity of a body. Bodies with equal size and shape but differing in mass will experience equal air resistance. However, increasing the mass of an aircraft can result in the need for more lift and increased drag due to a larger angle of attack. Altering the wing profile can also affect air resistance. In the case of two objects dropped from a height, the greater mass will experience a higher acceleration and terminal velocity due to air drag.
  • #1
quietrain
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Is air resistance dependent on mass?

thanks!
 
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  • #2
It's dependant on surface area.
 
  • #3
The air resistance is a force that is imposed on whatever comes air with some relative velocity regardless of their mass. A styrofoam ball undergoes the same air resistance that a lead sphere of the same diameter.
 
  • #4
Air resistance is dependent on size, shape, surface texture, and velocity of a body. Bodies equal in all these respects, but differing in mass, will experience equal air resistance.
 
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  • #5
It depends on the situation.

If you increase the mass/weight of an aircraft (by filling it with more passengers) then the lift required to keep it in the air increases. The wing has to fly at a larger angle of attack to produce the extra lift and that increases drag.
 
  • #6
CWatters said:
If you increase the mass/weight of an aircraft (by filling it with more passengers) then the lift required to keep it in the air increases. The wing has to fly at a larger angle of attack to produce the extra lift and that increases drag.
Changing the wing profile is an alteration to the shape.
 
  • #7
alright thanks peeps!
 
  • #8
If you drop two objects (identical except for the mass) from a height initially the acceleration is the same (when the speed = 0) but as air drag takes a role (as the speed comes into play) the greater mass will always have a greater acceleration than the lesser mass as well as a higher terminal velocity
 

FAQ: Is air resistance dependent on mass?

What is air resistance?

Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that acts against the motion of an object through air. It is caused by the collision of air molecules with the surface of the object.

Is air resistance dependent on mass?

Yes, air resistance is dependent on the mass of the object. Generally, the higher the mass of an object, the higher the air resistance it experiences. This is because a heavier object has more inertia and requires more force to accelerate, resulting in a larger disturbance of air molecules and thus a greater air resistance force.

How does air resistance affect falling objects?

Air resistance affects falling objects by slowing down their acceleration due to gravity. As an object falls, the force of air resistance increases until it becomes equal to the force of gravity, resulting in a constant velocity known as terminal velocity.

Can air resistance be reduced?

Yes, air resistance can be reduced by altering the shape or surface area of an object. For example, a streamlined shape or a smooth surface can reduce air resistance and improve the object's aerodynamics. Air resistance can also be reduced by decreasing the density of the air, such as at high altitudes.

How does air resistance affect different objects?

Air resistance affects different objects differently based on their shape, size, and mass. Generally, larger and heavier objects will experience more air resistance than smaller and lighter objects. Objects with streamlined shapes will also experience less air resistance compared to objects with irregular shapes.

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