Air resistance on bodies in free fall

In summary, two paper cups were dropped from different heights in a class demonstration. Despite the difference in height, both cups landed on the ground at the same time. This is because if they were released simultaneously, the only way for this to occur would be if the higher cup was thrown downwards. Applying the same principle, it would be reasonable to say that if two identical minibuses were dropped from different heights, they would also hit the ground at the same time if the lower one had a parachute attached. However, it is possible that the demonstration was rigged or there was a hidden factor, such as a lump of iron, that affected the outcome.
  • #1
AbsoluteZer0
125
1
Hi,

In a demonstration that was shown in class, two paper cups were dropped from different heights. The first was dropped from two meters and the other was dropped from one meter. Both landed on the ground at the same time.

Why is this so? Would it be reasonable to say that if I dropped one minibus from one thousand meters and the other from five hundred meters, both would hit the ground at the same time?

Thanks,
 
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  • #2
AbsoluteZer0 said:
In a demonstration that was shown in class, two paper cups were dropped from different heights. The first was dropped from two meters and the other was dropped from one meter. Both landed on the ground at the same time.
If they were released simultaneously, and the only difference was their release height, then for what you say to be true the one released at 2m must have been forcibly thrown downwards.
Why is this so? Would it be reasonable to say that if I dropped one minibus from one thousand meters and the other from five hundred meters, both would hit the ground at the same time?
For identical minibuses—only if there was some sort of a 'chute attached to the lower one. :smile:
 
  • #3
If you teacher did the demonstration are you sure the demo was not rigged?
Perhaps ther was a lump of iron in th e higher cup?
 

1. What is air resistance?

Air resistance, also known as drag, is a force that acts on an object as it moves through the air. It is caused by the collisions between the object and the air particles, which slow down its motion.

2. How does air resistance affect objects in free fall?

In free fall, objects experience an upward force due to air resistance, which counteracts the force of gravity. This results in a slower acceleration and a longer time for the object to reach the ground compared to an object in a vacuum.

3. What factors affect the amount of air resistance on an object?

The amount of air resistance on an object depends on its shape, size, speed, and the density of the air it is moving through. Objects with larger surface areas and higher speeds experience more air resistance.

4. How does air resistance impact the accuracy of free fall experiments?

When conducting experiments on free fall, it is important to consider the effects of air resistance on the results. The presence of air resistance can lead to inaccurate measurements and affect the overall validity of the experiment.

5. Can air resistance be eliminated?

No, air resistance cannot be completely eliminated as it is a natural force. However, it can be reduced by using streamlined shapes, decreasing the object's surface area, and increasing its velocity.

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