Calculating Force Exerted by Wind on Object

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In summary, the conversation discusses the method for calculating the force exerted on an object, specifically a ping-pong ball, by air. The speaker conducted an experiment using a fan and a vertical tube and observed the ball moving upwards due to the force of the wind. The question is then posed on how to determine the exact force exerted by the air on the ball to lift it a certain distance. The response given is that the force is equal to the air pressure multiplied by the area of the ball, and at equilibrium, the force of the air balances the force of gravity on the ball.
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ZaTux
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Calculating the force exerted on an object

Hello everyone,
I have done the next experiment: Air produced by a fan entered a vertical tube, inside the tube there was a ping-pong ball, so when the wind entered the tube the ball move upwards a certain distance.
My question is: How do you calculate the force that the wind exerted on the ball to elevated a certain distance.
TIA:smile:
 
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The force on the ball by the air is just the air pressure * the area of the ball on which the air acts.

At some equilibrium, the force of the air balance the force of gravity acting on the ball, otherwise the ball would continue to rise.
 

1. How is the force exerted by wind on an object calculated?

The force exerted by wind on an object is calculated by multiplying the air density, the wind speed squared, the projected area of the object, and the drag coefficient of the object. This gives the force in units of Newtons (N).

2. What is the drag coefficient and why is it important in calculating wind force?

The drag coefficient is a dimensionless value that represents the resistance of an object to motion through a fluid, in this case air. It is important in calculating wind force because it takes into account the shape and characteristics of the object, as well as the properties of the surrounding air, to determine the amount of drag or resistance the object will experience in the wind.

3. How does the air density affect the force exerted by wind on an object?

The air density is a measure of the mass of air per unit volume. The denser the air, the more mass it contains, and therefore the more force it can exert on an object. This means that in denser air, the force exerted by wind on an object will be greater compared to in less dense air.

4. What factors can influence the wind force on an object?

Aside from the air density, wind speed, projected area, and drag coefficient mentioned earlier, other factors that can influence the wind force on an object include the shape and orientation of the object, as well as the direction and turbulence of the wind. These factors can change the drag coefficient and the amount of wind force experienced by the object.

5. Can the force exerted by wind on an object be predicted accurately?

Calculating the force exerted by wind on an object can be challenging due to the various factors involved and the unpredictable nature of wind. However, with accurate measurements and data, it is possible to make a fairly accurate prediction of the wind force on an object. It is important to note that these calculations are based on ideal conditions and may not always reflect the actual force experienced by the object in real-world scenarios.

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