Air friction on a A4 paper ( Classical Mechanics )

[bob195]

Homework Statement

How could u find the drag/friction due to air on a A4 size page dropped perpendicular to the ground. There are about 20 sheets and is dropped about waist height. The tricky thing is no instruments are aloud. Only your senses...

Homework Equations

F=-cv where c is the constant due to air friction. v is the vel and F the force of air

The Attempt at a Solution

have no clue because i would think u would at least need a stop watch.

 

[Dadface]

If you are given no instruments you will need to make estimates.

 

[bob195]

what estimates? u will have c for the friction and g for the gravity.u could considers some sort of acceleration from looking at the system.could it be done? i would think it would be of the function speed and maybe have to differentiate a few times but would not know where to start...

 

[Dadface]

Because of the lack of instrument the best that can be done is a crude estimate.The falling paper tends to rock to and fro but there doesn't seem to be a net vertical acceleration.I think you are expected to assume it reaches terminal velocity this being when the weight of the paper is balanced by air resistance.

 

[bob195]

thanks Dadface!