[objet falling] Air resistance / terminal velocity

You have to use the equations given and think about what each variable represents in order to determine the correct changes in the graph. In summary, the graph of position vs. time for a single cone would show an increase in speed when the cone's mass is increased and a decrease in speed when its diameter is increased. In a vacuum, the cone would fall at a constant speed due to the absence of air resistance. In a higher density medium, such as a classroom with increased air density, the cone would experience a higher air resistance, causing it to fall at a slower speed compared to falling through air at normal density.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



How would the graph of position vs. time for a single cone change under each of the following conditions?

1)the cone's mass was increased but its shape was kept the same.
2)the cone's mass was kept the same but its diameter was increased.
3)the cone fell through vacuum instead of through air.
4) the air density in the classroom was increased.


Homework Equations




[eqn 1] Vterminal=(Mg/c)^1/n

[eqn 2] F=6pie(viscocity)(radius)(velocity)

The Attempt at a Solution



1) increase; M in eqn 1 increases?
2) increase; r in eqn 2 increases?
3) increase; i do not know
4) increase; viscocity increases?
 
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  • #2
A position vs. time graph allows you to determine ithe cone's speed. I think you have a case of a cone falling through air, and I think you want to know what happens to its speed when its mass is increased; its radius is increased; the air is not present; and the air density is increased.

You should know that when a mass is falling through a medium other than a vacuum, its speed is directly proportional to its mass and inversely proportional to its exposed area and the density of the medium. Your answers are not all correct.
 

1. What is air resistance?

Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of an object as it moves through the air. It is caused by the collision of air molecules with the surface of the object.

2. How does air resistance affect the motion of an object?

Air resistance can slow down the motion of an object. As the object moves through the air, the air resistance force increases until it becomes equal to the force of gravity pulling the object down. This results in a constant speed known as terminal velocity.

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

The amount of air resistance on an object depends on its size, shape, and speed. Objects with larger surface areas, such as parachutes, experience more air resistance than objects with smaller surface areas, like a bullet. Additionally, objects moving at higher speeds experience more air resistance than objects moving at lower speeds.

4. How does air density affect air resistance?

Air density is a major factor in determining the amount of air resistance on an object. Objects moving through denser air, such as at lower altitudes, will experience more air resistance than objects moving through less dense air, such as at higher altitudes.

5. Can air resistance be completely eliminated?

No, air resistance cannot be completely eliminated. Even objects designed to have minimal air resistance, such as airplanes, still experience some resistance as they move through the air. However, the effects of air resistance can be reduced by minimizing the surface area and streamlining the shape of the object.

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