How Do I Calculate Air Resistance Force with Vertical Acceleration?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The calculation of air resistance force in relation to vertical acceleration involves using the difference between theoretical acceleration (9.8 m/s²) and actual acceleration (9.2 m/s²). The correct approach is to subtract the actual acceleration from the theoretical acceleration (9.8 - 9.2) to determine the net force due to air resistance. This net force is then multiplied by the mass of the object to find the air resistance force. A Free Body Diagram is essential for visualizing the forces acting on the object.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with Free Body Diagrams
  • Basic knowledge of forces and acceleration
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and force
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of Newton's Second Law of Motion in detail
  • Learn how to effectively draw and interpret Free Body Diagrams
  • Research the effects of air resistance on different shapes and sizes of objects
  • Explore advanced topics in fluid dynamics related to drag forces
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, engineers working on aerodynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the effects of air resistance on moving objects.

paperdoll
Messages
69
Reaction score
0
If I know the theoretical acc down is 9.8 and I have the actual acceleration to be 9.2, do I use 9.8-9.2 to find the air resistance force? Or do I use 9.2-9.8?

And then after that, do I multiply it by the mass? Or do I calculate both forces and then subtract them?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As usual, draw a Free Body Diagram showing the forces acting...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
8K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K