Application of Aristotle with free fall

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Aristotle's principle that the time for an object to fall is inversely proportional to its weight. In the context of the problem, objects A (10g) and B (40g) were analyzed, with the conclusion that object B would reach the highest terminal velocity when dropped from the same height. The concept of terminal velocity is clarified as the point where gravitational force (mg) equals drag force (Fdrag), although this specific detail is not essential for solving the problem. The discussion emphasizes the application of kinematic equations to relate constant speed, distance, and time in accordance with Aristotle's theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Aristotle's principles of motion
  • Basic knowledge of terminal velocity and its definition
  • Familiarity with kinematic equations
  • Concept of gravitational force and drag force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion
  • Research the concept of terminal velocity in fluid dynamics
  • Explore historical perspectives on motion, focusing on Aristotle and Galileo
  • Examine the relationship between weight and drag force in free fall scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching classical mechanics, and anyone interested in the historical context of motion and its scientific evolution.

Gear2d
Messages
49
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Aristotle believed that the time it takes for an object to fall a given distance is inversely proportional to its weight. Given objects A,B,C and D with weights of 10,40,20 and 30 grams, which one would have the heights terminal velocity if dropped from the same height?


The Attempt at a Solution



I was done to object A (10g) and B (40g). The answer was object B.

My question is:

1)Terminal velocity is referred to when mg = Fdrag?

2) I see that time takes longer for object A than B, so how can I equate this to terminal velocity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Gear2d said:

Homework Statement


Aristotle believed that the time it takes for an object to fall a given distance is inversely proportional to its weight. Given objects A,B,C and D with weights of 10,40,20 and 30 grams, which one would have the heights terminal velocity if dropped from the same height?


The Attempt at a Solution



I was done to object A (10g) and B (40g). The answer was object B.

My question is:

1)Terminal velocity is referred to when mg = Fdrag?
yes, but you don't really need this info in this problem.
2) I see that time takes longer for object A than B, so how can I equate this to terminal velocity?
Aristotle apparently presumed that the objects fall at some constant (uniform) speed, which the problem is referring to as 'terminal velocity'. You can use the basic kinematic equation that relates constant speed to distance and time to arrive at the 'Aristotlian' answer.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K