How much time for a pencil to drop

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In summary, to calculate the time it will take for a pencil to fall flat on the ground after being given a slight push to off balance, one could use Newton's idea of mass attraction and consider the pencil's Moment of Inertia.
  • #1
SM05
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i have a pencil standing upright. How do i calculate the time it will take pencil to fall flat on ground if given a slight push to off balance. This is not homework. just thinking about it.
 
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  • #2
It's not that simple.
You could use Newton's idea to get a rough answer.
Things which have mass attract other things which have mass,
 
  • #4
rootone said:
It's not that simple.
You could use Newton's idea to get a rough answer.
Things which have mass attract other things which have mass,
A pencil has a significant Moment of Inertia so it is more than a simple falling mass calculation.
 
  • #5
 

1. How is the time for a pencil to drop determined?

The time for a pencil to drop is determined by several factors, including the mass and length of the pencil, the force of gravity, and air resistance. It can be calculated using the formula t = √(2h/g), where t is the time, h is the height the pencil is dropped from, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

2. Does the time for a pencil to drop vary depending on altitude or location?

Yes, the time for a pencil to drop can vary depending on altitude and location due to differences in gravity and air resistance. The closer to sea level and the equator, the faster the pencil will fall. At higher altitudes and closer to the poles, the time for the pencil to drop will be slightly longer.

3. Is the time for a pencil to drop affected by its shape or material?

Yes, the time for a pencil to drop can be affected by its shape and material. A longer pencil will take slightly longer to drop than a shorter pencil, and a heavier pencil will drop faster than a lighter one. Additionally, the shape and material of the pencil can affect the amount of air resistance it experiences, which can impact the time it takes to fall.

4. Can the time for a pencil to drop be altered?

Yes, the time for a pencil to drop can be altered by changing the factors that affect it. For example, dropping the pencil from a higher or lower height will change the time it takes to fall. Additionally, altering the mass or shape of the pencil can also impact the time it takes to drop.

5. Is there a limit to how fast a pencil can drop?

Yes, there is a limit to how fast a pencil can drop. This is due to terminal velocity, which is the maximum speed an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air. Once the force of gravity is equal to the force of air resistance, the pencil will stop accelerating and will continue to fall at a constant speed.

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