Quick question: how does air friction work?/why do things float

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    Air Float Friction
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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the mechanics of floating objects and the role of air friction. Air friction, or drag, only occurs when an object moves relative to the air and does not contribute to the upward force that enables floating. Instead, objects float due to upthrust, which is the net upward force resulting from pressure differences on the object's surfaces. If the upthrust equals or exceeds the object's weight, it will float.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly forces and motion.
  • Familiarity with the concept of upthrust and pressure differences.
  • Knowledge of air friction and drag forces in fluid dynamics.
  • Basic comprehension of Newton's laws of motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes' principle.
  • Study fluid dynamics, focusing on drag forces and their calculations.
  • Explore the effects of pressure differences on various shapes in fluids.
  • Learn about the applications of upthrust in engineering and design.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of buoyancy and fluid dynamics.

holezch
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is it just the reaction force of some object pushing down on the air? then how do things float? does the air friction over take the object? if so, then that means it isn't the reaction force then.. could someone clear this up for me? thank you
 
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Nope, 'air friction' or drag only exists if the object is moving relative to the medium, and thus this doesn't explain why things float (let's say an object is moving downwards, the drag force will only slow it down, but not cause it to move upwards).
They float due to upthrust ie net upwards force due to pressure differences acting on the different surfaces of the object. If the upthrust on the object is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, then it floats.
 
Fightfish said:
Nope, 'air friction' or drag only exists if the object is moving relative to the medium, and thus this doesn't explain why things float (let's say an object is moving downwards, the drag force will only slow it down, but not cause it to move upwards).
They float due to upthrust ie net upwards force due to pressure differences acting on the different surfaces of the object. If the upthrust on the object is greater than or equal to the weight of the object, then it floats.

ah, I see. thank you for your time :)
 

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