Olympiad Physics: Explaining the Correct Answer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem from a previous Olympiad concerning the behavior of two different weighted balls dropped from a height in a mine. The problem presents multiple-choice answers regarding which ball would reach the ground first, considering factors such as air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the effects of air resistance on different weights, questioning whether the difference in mass affects the force of friction and the resulting motion of the balls. There is also a discussion about the role of surface area in air resistance.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes attempts to clarify the relationship between mass, air resistance, and acceleration. Some participants suggest drawing Free Body Diagrams to analyze the forces acting on the objects, while others express confusion about the differing air resistance experienced by objects of the same surface area.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for incomplete data in the original problem and the implications of air resistance on the outcome, indicating a need for further investigation into the assumptions made regarding the scenario.

faiziqb12
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Warning: Homework template must be used and some solution attempt made.
A problem came in the previous years Olympiad ::

if we go inside a mine and drop 10 lb iron ball and 1 lb allumunium ball from top of a high platform, then
1. both will reach the ground at same time
2. 1 lb weight will reach the floor first
3. 10 lb weight will reach the floor first
4. incomplete data

the answer is 1

but due to air resistance 10lb must have had fallen first..

please reason the correct answer
 
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The difference in air resistance between the two spheres is neglible.
 
but accordi
Borg said:
The difference in air resistance between the two spheres is neglible.
but force of friction must vary with diffrent mass
won't it
 
faiziqb12 said:
but accordi
but force of friction must vary with diffrent mass
won't it
Air resistance is dependent on surface area. Again, the difference is going to be negilible.
 
Borg said:
Air resistance is dependent on surface area. Again, the difference is going to be negilible.

then can you please answer why a sheet of paper and a lead sheet of the same surface area experience different air resistance forces

please reply ASAP
 
faiziqb12 said:
then can you please answer why a sheet of paper and a lead sheet of the same surface area experience different air resistance forces

please reply ASAP
We won't do your work for you. You need to make some investigative effort here.

Choose representative masses for two objects. Assume that air resistance is identical for each, maybe call it fair. Draw Free Body Diagrams for both. Determine expressions for the accelerations. How do the accelerations compare?
 

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