Terminal Velocity: Solve Physics IA Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on an IB physics internal assessment investigating terminal velocity by analyzing the fall of four balls of varying masses from a height of 23 meters. The teacher suggested creating a graph of mass versus terminal velocity squared (vt^2) and indicated that the slope relates to the equation M = ((1/2)(p)(C_d)(A) / (g)) x v^2. However, there is confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the slope, which could either be the constant ((1/2)(p)(C_d)(A) / (g)) or its inverse, depending on the axes chosen for the graph. Clarification is sought on how to apply the equation correctly in the context of the experiment. Understanding these relationships is crucial for accurately representing the effects of mass on terminal velocity.
Markus Lervik
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I am finishing my IB internal assessment in physics. I have thrown four balls (with different masses, 400,450,475,500 grams) from a height, which is approximately 23 meters. My teacher told me to set up a graph which showed mass vs. vt^2.

He said that the inverse of M= ((1/2)(p)(C_d)(A) / (g)) x v^2 is the slope. I have problems making anything of this. Can someone please explain how to get up with the equation above?

Thank you very much!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The purpose of the investigation was to see how terminal velocity acts on objects with different weight.
 
Moderator's note: moved to homework forum.
 
Markus Lervik said:
The purpose of the investigation was to see how terminal velocity acts on objects with different weight.

What is the formula for terminal velocity?
 
PeterDonis said:
What is the formula for terminal velocity?

v_terminal = (Sqrt(2mg)/(C*p_air*A))
 
Markus Lervik said:
He said that the inverse of M= ((1/2)(p)(C_d)(A) / (g)) x v^2 is the slope.
That is not the slope. The slope is either the ((1/2)(p)(C_d)(A) / (g)) part or its inverse. Which of those depends on how you assign mass and v2 to the x and y axes.
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Thread 'A bead-mass oscillatory system problem'
I can't figure out how to find the velocity of the particle at 37 degrees. Basically the bead moves with velocity towards right let's call it v1. The particle moves with some velocity v2. In frame of the bead, the particle is performing circular motion. So v of particle wrt bead would be perpendicular to the string. But how would I find the velocity of particle in ground frame? I tried using vectors to figure it out and the angle is coming out to be extremely long. One equation is by work...
Back
Top