How Does the Radius of a Raindrop Affect Its Acceleration and Terminal Velocity?

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    Falling Physics
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of falling raindrops, specifically how the radius affects their acceleration and terminal velocity. It is established that the acceleration of a raindrop is equal to gravitational acceleration (g), but the terminal velocity is influenced by the mass and radius of the drop. The solution to the problem involves a specific substitution for mass, leading to the conclusion that the terminal velocity can be expressed as g/7. Participants recommend researching the "raindrop problem" for further insights.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Knowledge of drag force and its dependence on surface area
  • Familiarity with the concept of terminal velocity
  • Basic principles of physics related to falling objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the "raindrop problem" for detailed mathematical solutions
  • Study the relationship between gravitational acceleration and terminal velocity
  • Explore the effects of surface area on drag force
  • Learn about the physics of fluid dynamics related to falling objects
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Students and educators in physics, researchers in fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the mechanics of falling objects and terminal velocity calculations.

hollistb
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So i have a problem with a question in which there is a falling raindrop where the mass and the radius are proportional and i have to find the acceleration with respect to radius and velocity.. I figured that bc it was falling its acceleration would be equal to g... but that seems to easy!
 
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the thing to be considered may be the drag of the drop as it falls down which depends on the surface area of the rain drop. this drag limits the velocity of the drop to a specific number...
 
This is a very old problem. Unfortunately, I remember the answer, g/7, but I don't remember how you get it. It has an unusual solution. There a special substitution that you need to make for the mass, otherwise the problem is insoluble. You might try to research "raindrop problem" with Google.
 
hollistb said:
So i have a problem with a question in which there is a falling raindrop where the mass and the radius are proportional and i have to find the acceleration with respect to radius and velocity.. I figured that bc it was falling its acceleration would be equal to g... but that seems to easy!

Sounds right to me, the only force accelerating a rain drop is due to gravity.

The terminal velocity however depends on the mass and radius.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_velocity

Maybe you're supposed to show the relationship between g (the rain drop's acceleration) and the terminal velocity of it.
 

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