Terminal velocity for big objects

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the terminal velocity of large objects, such as cars and sky divers, considering the drag force that acts on them as they move through air. The original poster presents a quadratic drag force model and seeks to express terminal velocity in terms of mass and a drag coefficient.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between drag force and gravitational force at terminal velocity. There is a focus on the variables involved, particularly the meaning of 'b' in the context of the problem. Questions arise regarding the completeness of the original poster's equation and the implications of missing elements.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the original poster's understanding and the formulation of the equation. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of 'b' and the need for clarity in the equations being referenced.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster may have omitted critical components in their equation, leading to confusion. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the problem setup and the variables involved.

cleverfield
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Homework Statement



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.

Homework Equations


Vterm = mg/b


The Attempt at a Solution



No idea how to begin this question.
 
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At terminal velocity, the force of drag is equal to the gravitational force.

F_{drag}=-bv^2=...
 
'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.
 
Phrak said:
'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.

Which equation?
 
cleverfield said:
Which equation?

From the one meta kindly put up
 

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