Calculating the Force of a Free-Falling Object

  • Thread starter Don Crowe
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In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of force generated when a weight is allowed to free fall and strike an object. While the speed can be easily calculated, determining the average force depends on factors such as the time it takes for the weight to be stopped and the nature of the materials involved. The material in question is a tool steel cylinder.
  • #1
Don Crowe
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It has been too long for me to remember.
I have a .5011 KG weight 6.25 in. above an object in open air. If allowed to free fall and hit the object, what force will it hit the object with?
Thanks,
Don Crowe:confused:
 
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  • #2
While it's easy to calculate the speed at which the weight will strike the object (use [itex]1/2 m v^2 = m g \Delta h[/itex]), there's not enough information to calculate the average force generated during the strike. That depends on the time it takes for the weight to be stopped, which depends, among other things, on the nature of the materials.
 
  • #3
applied force

Thank you for your responce. The material is tool steel and in the form of a 2.0 in. diameter cylinder, 1.5 in. long.
 

1. How do you calculate the force of a free-falling object?

The force of a free-falling object can be calculated using the formula F=ma, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, and a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2 on Earth).

2. Does the mass of the object affect the force of its fall?

Yes, the mass of the object does affect the force of its fall. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the force of its fall will be.

3. What is the difference between weight and force of a free-falling object?

Weight is a measure of the gravitational pull on an object, while force is a measure of the push or pull on an object. The weight of an object is equal to the force of gravity acting on it.

4. Can the force of a free-falling object be negative?

No, the force of a free-falling object cannot be negative. It is always directed towards the center of the Earth and is considered a positive force.

5. How does air resistance affect the force of a free-falling object?

Air resistance can decrease the force of a free-falling object. As an object falls, it experiences air resistance which acts in the opposite direction of its motion and can slow it down. This means that the force of a free-falling object will decrease as it falls due to air resistance.

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