Calculating Drag Force Constant in a Simple Physics Problem

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem related to calculating the drag force constant in the context of a ball experiencing drag as it reaches terminal velocity. The problem specifies a mass and terminal speed but lacks coverage of the drag force formula in the provided materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the variables involved in the drag force equation, particularly questioning the meaning of the variable R and its relationship to mass. Some participants clarify that R represents a drag force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is progressing with some participants providing clarifications about the nature of the drag force. There is an acknowledgment of the original poster's confusion, and assistance has been offered to help clarify the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes that the textbook does not cover the drag force formula, which contributes to their uncertainty regarding the problem. There is also a mention of the homework system not accepting their initial answer.

azure.hubris
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
The first part of a pretty involved, 8 part question on modelling drag force states: "A 0.142 kg ball has a terminal speed of 42.5 m/s. If a ball experiences a drag force of R=CV^2, what is the value of the constant, C?

I know this is a ridiculusly easy problem, but our text doesn't cover the formula for drag force at all, and I'm not sure what the R variable is. I mean, I know that v is velocity, so you'd think by elimination, R must be somehow represent mass, but the answer that produces isn't accepted by the homework system. So, who wants to tell me what R is, and possibly make fun of my ignorance a little too? Any takers?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use F = ma = drag force, with the left side determined by gravity's force, and the right side given by the drag force.

Don't worry about it being ridiculously easy. If that's your worst problem this semester you done good.

Carl
 
The question tells you "a drag force of R=..."

That is, R is a force - a drag force.
 
Okay, I see. Thanks for the assistance.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K