Why does a heavier sphere fall faster in a liquid ?

  • #1
why do heavier balls fall faster in liquids ?, if F=mg-drag, a heavier ball would have greater mg, but the acceleration is given by F=ma, therefore mg-drag = ma, a = (mg-drag)/m.
I can't see how a heavier ball would fall faster.
 
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  • #2
You've got ##a=g-F_D/m##. (minus is up here) If you increase mass, g is reduced more or less?
 
  • #3
[itex] F=ma=mg-F_b-F_d [/itex] where [itex] F_b [/itex] is bouyant force and [itex] F_d [/itex] is drag.

Then; [itex] a=g-F_b/m+F_d/m [/itex], so if you have two balls of same volume but different mass, the larger mass will have a higher acceleration.
 
  • #4
Bandersnatch said:
You've got ##a=g-F_D/m##. (minus is up here) If you increase mass, g is reduced more or less?
g is constant, but Fd/m is reduced, I see it now :D thanks.
 

1. Why does a heavier sphere fall faster in a liquid?

According to the laws of physics, an object's acceleration due to gravity is directly proportional to its mass. This means that the heavier the object, the greater its gravitational force and the faster it will fall in a liquid medium.

2. Does the density of the liquid affect the speed at which a heavier sphere falls?

Yes, the density of the liquid does affect the speed at which a heavier sphere falls. The denser the liquid, the more resistance it will provide against the falling object, resulting in a slower speed.

3. How does the shape of the sphere impact its falling speed in a liquid?

The shape of the sphere does not have a significant impact on its falling speed in a liquid. The main factors that affect the speed are the mass and density of the sphere and the density of the liquid.

4. Does the viscosity of the liquid play a role in the falling speed of a heavier sphere?

Yes, the viscosity of the liquid does play a role in the falling speed of a heavier sphere. The higher the viscosity of the liquid, the more resistance it will provide against the falling object, resulting in a slower speed.

5. Can a heavier sphere ever fall slower than a lighter sphere in a liquid?

No, according to the laws of physics, a heavier sphere will always fall faster than a lighter sphere in a liquid medium. This is because the heavier sphere has a greater gravitational force and experiences less resistance from the liquid.

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