What is the terminal velocity of a ping pong ball?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terminal velocity of a ping pong ball, including how long it takes to reach this velocity and the specific value of the terminal velocity itself. The scope includes both theoretical and experimental aspects, as well as mathematical reasoning related to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the time it takes for a ping pong ball to reach terminal velocity and the value of that terminal velocity.
  • One participant suggests that the terminal velocity is approximately 9.5 m/s and mentions that 98% of this velocity is attained after falling 12.5 m, although they are uncertain about the time required to reach this point.
  • Another participant presents a specific equation related to the problem but expresses confusion about its application and how to determine velocity over time until terminal velocity is reached.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the exact value of terminal velocity or the time it takes to reach it, as participants present varying levels of understanding and different approaches to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the assumptions behind their calculations or the definitions of variables in the equations discussed, leading to some uncertainty in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in understanding the concept of terminal velocity, particularly in the context of physics problems involving falling objects.

guitarhero123
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1. How long does it take a ping pong ball to reach terminal velocity?
2. What is the terminal velocity of a ping pong ball?
 
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Welcome to PF!

guitarhero123 said:
1. How long does it take a ping pong ball to reach terminal velocity?
2. What is the terminal velocity of a ping pong ball?

Hi guitarhero123! Welcome to PF! :wink:

Is this a theory or an experiment question?

Anyway, show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help. :smile:
 
The Terminal Velocity is about 9.5 m/s

98% of which is attained after falling 12.5 m. (Im not sure of the time it takes to get to this)

Did you want to know the values? Or the working?

I can't help you with the working, I simply found an answer from a quick google search.

http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1984AmJPh..52..890B" is the site.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I wasn't sure how to start working out the problem.
I was given this equation Vi+1=Vi+(g-c^2/m*Vi^2)t
im not sure if that makes sense or not i think its supposed to read velocity initial plus one equals velocity initial plus the quantity gravity minus c squared over mass times initial velocity squared times the change in time
We were told to determine the velocity every .1 second until we reach terminal velocity.
I'm sorry if this doesn't make sense I'm really lost.
 

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