Calculating Drag Force: Weight, Mass & Acceleration

In summary, drag force is a type of force caused by friction between an object and the fluid it is moving through. It can be calculated using the formula Fd = 0.5 x ρ x v^2 x Cd x A, where ρ represents the fluid density, v is the velocity of the object, Cd is the drag coefficient, and A is the cross-sectional area of the object. Weight does not directly affect drag force, but it can impact the velocity and therefore the drag force acting on an object. There is a difference between mass and weight when calculating drag force, as mass is used in the calculation while weight affects an object's acceleration due to gravity. Acceleration can affect drag force by increasing the velocity and
  • #1
.bonbon.
5
0
Knowing the weight, the mass and the acceleration of the object, how can I find the drag force?

I used the following formula --- "Weight – drag force = ma" --- but I'm not sure whether it is right or wrong.

Mass = 0.14
Weight = 1.34
Acceleration = 8.63

1.34 – drag force = 0.14 x 8.63
1.34 – drag force = 1.21
- drag force = -0.13
drag force = 0.13N

Thanks.

P.S. PLEASE, DON'T MOVE THE THREAD. IT IS NOT HOMEWORK.
 
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  • #2
No one knows how to find the drag force?

Google gave no results either.
 

1. What is drag force and how is it calculated?

Drag force is a type of force that acts in the opposite direction of an object's motion, and it is caused by the friction between the object and the fluid it is moving through. The formula for calculating drag force is Fd = 0.5 x ρ x v^2 x Cd x A, where ρ represents the density of the fluid, v is the velocity of the object, Cd is the drag coefficient, and A is the cross-sectional area of the object.

2. How does weight affect drag force?

Weight does not directly affect drag force. However, the weight of an object does determine its acceleration due to gravity, which can impact the velocity and therefore the drag force acting on the object. Heavier objects will experience a greater acceleration due to gravity, resulting in a higher velocity and potentially a higher drag force.

3. Is there a difference between mass and weight when calculating drag force?

Yes, there is a difference between mass and weight when calculating drag force. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, while weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass is used in the calculation of drag force through the formula mentioned above, while weight is used to determine the acceleration of an object due to gravity.

4. How does acceleration affect drag force?

Acceleration can affect drag force in two ways. First, a higher acceleration due to gravity will result in a higher velocity and potentially a higher drag force acting on the object. Second, an object with a higher acceleration, such as a rocket, may experience a different type of drag force called thrust-induced drag, which is caused by the propulsion of the object.

5. How can drag force be minimized?

Drag force can be minimized by reducing the object's velocity, decreasing the object's surface area, and using aerodynamic designs to reduce the drag coefficient. This can be achieved through streamlining the object's shape and using materials with low drag coefficients, such as smooth and polished surfaces. Additionally, minimizing turbulence and air resistance can also help reduce drag force.

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