What Interactions Occur When an Object Falls With Friction?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the interactions an object experiences when falling with friction, specifically focusing on air friction and gravitational forces. Participants identify two primary interactions: contact friction with air and long-range gravitational interaction. Additionally, the conversation explores the concept of contact compression interaction, where the object compresses air, leading to opposing forces. The effects of aerodynamic principles, such as boundary layers and turbulence, are also highlighted as significant factors influencing the motion of falling objects.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, including gravity and friction.
  • Familiarity with aerodynamic principles, such as boundary layers and turbulence.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, particularly in relation to air and water interactions.
  • Basic comprehension of motion dynamics, including terminal velocity and acceleration.
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  • Research the principles of fluid dynamics and their effects on falling objects.
  • Study the concept of terminal velocity and the factors affecting it.
  • Learn about aerodynamic drag and its implications in various speeds.
  • Explore the physics of sound waves and compression effects at supersonic speeds.
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Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of objects in motion through fluids, particularly in relation to friction and gravitational interactions.

eraemia
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Hello,

If free fall is defined as falling with the absence of friction, then what interactions does an object participate in if it falls with friction? The first obvious answer is that the object participates in a contact friction interaction with the air (or air friction). The second answer is a long-range gravitational interaction, which pulls the falling object toward the center of the earth.

But what other interactions are at play? For example, if air is matter, and if the falling object contacts air, therefore compressing it, could we call this a contact compression interaction, where the air is pushing the object in whatever opposite direction the object is pushing the air? What really is air friction? A contact friction or contact compression interaction? If there is indeed a contact compression interaction with the air, how does this interaction affect the motion of the falling object, and how does it differ from the contact friction's effect on the falling object?

Thanks for the help.
 
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The complete answer can be quite complicated - here are some parts.

1. There is a friction effect (aerodynamicists describe it in terms of boundary layers).
2. There is a general flow effect - the air has to go around the object.
3. Turbulence leads to a drastic lowering of pressure behind the object, so there is slowing resulting from front to back pressure difference.
4. At supersonic speeds, there is a compression effect (sonic boom).

All the above are relevant for any object going through a fluid (air or water), not just falling.
 
I thought that free fall was when the acceleration downward (towards the Earth) was equal to the Earth's acceleration due to gravity 9.81 m/s. Friction due to drag effects the terminal velocity due to a host of other variables, such as surface area. So I am a bit confused as to what u are asking with contact friction and compression interaction, how do they differ in this case?
 
Thanks mathman, though that sounds beyond my level of physics atm...

I'm just as confused as you, t-money. I'm not even sure if both interactions occur, and if they, what their difference is.
 

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