Is There an Upward Force Acting on a Rock When It's Dropped from a Cliff?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the forces acting on a rock when it is dropped from a cliff. At the moment of release, the only force acting on the rock is gravity, which pulls it downward. As the rock falls, air resistance begins to act upward, but it is not significant until the rock reaches terminal velocity, where the forces of gravity and air resistance become equal. This understanding is crucial for analyzing motion under the influence of gravity and air resistance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of gravitational force
  • Familiarity with the concept of terminal velocity
  • Awareness of air resistance and its effects on falling objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's second law of motion in detail
  • Research the concept of terminal velocity in various contexts
  • Explore the effects of air resistance on different shapes and sizes of objects
  • Learn about force diagrams and how to represent forces acting on objects
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of falling objects and the forces acting upon them.

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Homework Statement


I have to draw a force diagram for a rock dropped off a cliff at the moment of release.
Is there any force acting upward on the rock at the moment of release?


Homework Equations


none


The Attempt at a Solution


I know the force of gravity acts downward on the rock. My thinking is that the only force acting on the rock at the moment of release is gravity downward, then as it falls there is air resistance upward and a greater force of gravity downward. When a rock hits it's terminal velocity however the forces of gravity and air resistance are equal. Is this correct?
 
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Hi cheerspens! :smile:
cheerspens said:
I know the force of gravity acts downward on the rock. My thinking is that the only force acting on the rock at the moment of release is gravity downward, then as it falls there is air resistance upward and a greater force of gravity downward. When a rock hits it's terminal velocity however the forces of gravity and air resistance are equal. Is this correct?

Equal and opposite! :biggrin:

Otherwise, completely correct! :smile:

(i assume you're supposed to ignore the atmospheric pressure all round the rock :wink:)
 

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