Is this why feathers fall slower than canon balls?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Sherazi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Balls Fall
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of falling objects, specifically why feathers fall slower than cannonballs. In a vacuum, both objects would fall simultaneously due to gravitational acceleration (g). However, air resistance significantly affects their fall rates; a cannonball, having greater mass and weight, takes longer to reach a point where drag equals weight compared to a feather. The feather quickly reaches its terminal velocity due to its low mass and shape, resulting in a slower descent.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Knowledge of air resistance and drag forces
  • Familiarity with terminal velocity concepts
  • Basic principles of physics regarding mass and density
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of air resistance on falling objects
  • Study the concept of terminal velocity in different materials
  • Explore the physics of drag coefficients for various shapes
  • Examine experiments demonstrating gravitational acceleration in a vacuum
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators explaining gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of falling objects and the effects of air resistance.

Sherazi
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
Two objects of different mass should fall at the same time, both with acceleration g. That is if the objects are in a vacuum, have the same initial speed and height. However, considering air resistance, the acceleration diminishes until both the drag and the weight are equal. Now, a canon ball has a larger mass and weight than a feather. So according to this, am I right to assume it would take a longer time before it achieves equal weight and drag than a feather thus gaining a greater velocity?

I would think the feather quickly obtains uniform speed due to its very low mass and that is why it falls slowly. Is this right?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Shape and density are important factors.

A small ball and a large ball of the same material would fall at the same speed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
8K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
6K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 55 ·
2
Replies
55
Views
6K