Question

A balloonist drops an apple weighing 1.5 N over the side of the balloon's gondola. As it falls and increases speed, the drag force from the air upward on increases. When the upward force is 0.7 N, what is the direction and magnitude of the net force on the apple?

Answer 1

`F_(net)=0.8\ N` in downward direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given that,

Weight of the apple, W = 1.5 N

The upward force or the drag force acting on the apple is, F = 0.7 N

To find,

The direction and magnitude of the net force on the apple.

Solution,

We know that the weight of an objects always acts in downward direction and the drag force opposes the motion of the apple. Let
`F_(net)` is the net force acting on it.

It is given by :

`F_(net)=W-F`

`F_(net)=1.5-0.7`

`F_(net)=0.8\ N`

As the weight of the apple is more than its drag force, the net force will act in downward direction.