Question about terminal velocity

In summary, the conversation discusses an object falling from rest with a frictional drag force and determining the maximum velocity it will reach. The solution involves setting the weight equal to the drag force and solving for the velocity. The method of equating the two forces is used to solve the problem.
  • #1
preluderacer
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0

Homework Statement



An object of weight W falls from rest subject to a frictional drag force bv^2. What maximum ("terminal") velocity will it approach if W = 4 N and b = 3 N∙ s2/m?





The Attempt at a Solution



I set W = Bv^2 and solved for v and got 1.15. I am not quite sure if this was the method of doing this. Some insight would be nice.
 
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  • #2
Yeah, at the point where the drag force equals the weight, the net force on the object will be zero, meaning that it will no longer accelerate (by Newton's second law). Hence, it continues to fall at a constant velocity, the terminal velocity.

That's why equating the two forces is the method used to solve the problem.
 
  • #3
Thank you, sometimes I am able to solve problems, but can't explain why!
 

What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed that an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the force of gravity is balanced by the force of air resistance.

What factors affect terminal velocity?

The factors that affect terminal velocity include the object's mass, shape, and surface area, as well as the density and viscosity of the fluid it is falling through.

How is terminal velocity calculated?

Terminal velocity is calculated using the formula Vt = √(2mg/ρAC), where Vt is the terminal velocity, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the object, and C is the drag coefficient.

Can terminal velocity be exceeded?

No, terminal velocity is the maximum speed that an object can reach when falling through a fluid. If the object were to accelerate beyond this speed, the force of air resistance would increase and eventually balance out the force of gravity, resulting in a constant speed.

How is terminal velocity affected by altitude?

Terminal velocity is affected by altitude due to changes in air density. At higher altitudes, the air density is lower, so the force of air resistance is decreased, resulting in a higher terminal velocity. At lower altitudes, the air density is higher, so the force of air resistance is increased, resulting in a lower terminal velocity.

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