# Terminal velocity for big objects

1. Jan 30, 2009

### cleverfield

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The drag force on large objects such as cars, planes, and sky divers moving through air is more nearly Fdrag = -bv^2.

For this quadratic dependence on v, determine a formula for the terminal velocity vTerm, of a vertically falling object.

Express your answer in terms of the variables m, b, and appropriate constants.

2. Relevant equations
Vterm = mg/b

3. The attempt at a solution

No idea how to begin this question.

2. Jan 30, 2009

### m.e.t.a.

At terminal velocity, the force of drag is equal to the gravitational force.

$$F_{drag}=-bv^2=...$$

3. Jan 30, 2009

### Phrak

'b' is a characteristic dimension, such as the distance from front to rear bumper for an automobile attempting to fly.

You managed to leave out a square root in your equation.

4. Jan 30, 2009

### cleverfield

Which equation?

5. Jan 30, 2009

### djeitnstine

From the one meta kindly put up