Air resistance on bodies in free fall

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of air resistance affecting free-falling bodies. Two paper cups dropped from different heights (two meters and one meter) landed simultaneously, prompting questions about the effects of height on falling objects. The consensus is that if two identical objects are released simultaneously in a vacuum, they will hit the ground at the same time, regardless of their height. However, real-world factors such as air resistance can alter this outcome, especially with larger objects like minibuses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of air resistance and its effects on falling objects
  • Familiarity with the concept of free fall in physics
  • Awareness of experimental design in scientific demonstrations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of air resistance on different shapes and sizes of objects
  • Explore Newton's second law of motion and its application to free fall
  • Learn about the concept of terminal velocity and its implications for falling objects
  • Investigate experimental setups to demonstrate free fall and air resistance
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators conducting demonstrations on motion, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of free fall and air resistance.

AbsoluteZer0
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Hi,

In a demonstration that was shown in class, two paper cups were dropped from different heights. The first was dropped from two meters and the other was dropped from one meter. Both landed on the ground at the same time.

Why is this so? Would it be reasonable to say that if I dropped one minibus from one thousand meters and the other from five hundred meters, both would hit the ground at the same time?

Thanks,
 
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AbsoluteZer0 said:
In a demonstration that was shown in class, two paper cups were dropped from different heights. The first was dropped from two meters and the other was dropped from one meter. Both landed on the ground at the same time.
If they were released simultaneously, and the only difference was their release height, then for what you say to be true the one released at 2m must have been forcibly thrown downwards.
Why is this so? Would it be reasonable to say that if I dropped one minibus from one thousand meters and the other from five hundred meters, both would hit the ground at the same time?
For identical minibuses—only if there was some sort of a 'chute attached to the lower one. :smile:
 
If you teacher did the demonstration are you sure the demo was not rigged?
Perhaps ther was a lump of iron in th e higher cup?
 

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