How Do You Calculate the Force of Air Friction on a Falling Basketball?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force of air friction acting on a 2.5 kg basketball dropped from a height, with an observed acceleration of 9.4 m/s². The gravitational force (Fg) acting on the basketball is calculated as 24.5 N using the formula Fg = mg, where g is 9.8 m/s². To determine the force of air friction (Ffs), the equation ma = mg + Fdrag is utilized, allowing for the calculation of air resistance by rearranging the formula to Fdrag = ma - mg.

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NEWTON'S LAWS: please help!

:eek:

so I am kinda stuck.

problem:

a 2.5kg basketball is dropped from the top of a building. its acceleration is found to be 9.4m/s2 as it drops to the ground. What is the force of air friction on the ball as it falls?

so like...

a=9.4
m-2.5kg
ffs=?
fg=ma
=(2.5)(9.8)
fg= 24.5N

now how do i find Ffs?
 
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What would the acceleration be if there were no air (like in a vacuum)? What causes the difference? How can you use F=ma to solve for the air resistance force and acceleration?
 
from ma=mg+Fdrag that simple. a is given, g is 9.8
 

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