Air Resistance Force on 1.21 g Samara Falling at 1.1 m/s

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force of air resistance on a 1.21 g samara falling at a constant speed of 1.1 m/s. The correct formula used is F = ma, where the mass is converted to 0.00121 kg and the acceleration due to gravity is 9.81 m/s². The resulting force of air resistance is calculated to be 0.0119 N, confirming that the upward force equals the weight of the samara.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F = ma)
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
  • Ability to convert grams to kilograms
  • Familiarity with forces acting on falling objects
NEXT STEPS
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Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in the dynamics of falling objects and air resistance calculations.

ragbash
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A 1.21 g samara--the winged fruit of a maple tree--falls toward the ground with a constant speed of 1.1 m/s What is the force of air resistance exerted on the samara?
I know that F=ma
I also know I have to account for 9.81 N for g. So by upward force am I looking for W? That would be 11.9N.
 
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correction ...

1.21 g = 0.00121 kg

force of air resistance = mg = (.00121 kg)(9.81 m/s^2) = .0119 N
 

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