Question

compare the force of air resistance and the force of gravity on an object falling at its terminal velocity

Answer 1

At terminal velocity, the force of air resistance and the force of gravity on the object are equal and opposite, resulting in a net force of zero. The magnitude of the forces depends on the shape and surface area of the object.

Step-by-step explanation:

The force of air resistance and the force of gravity on an object at its terminal velocity are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

At terminal velocity, the object is moving at a constant speed and the net force acting on it is zero. The force of gravity is pulling the object downward, while the force of air resistance is pushing upward, effectively balancing each other out.

It is important to note that the force of air resistance depends on the shape and surface area of the object. Objects with larger surface areas experience greater air resistance, which slows down their fall. On the other hand, objects with smaller surface areas experience less air resistance and can reach higher terminal velocities.

Answer 2

on an object falling we have three forces acting mainly

force of gravity : acts in downward direction

force of buoyancy : acts in upward direction

drag force due to air : acts in upward direction

the force of gravity makes the object fall in downward direction and force of buoyancy acts in opposite upward direction to oppose the motion. initially since force of gravity was greater than the force of buoyancy , the net force is acting in down direction and hence the object gains speed in downward direction.

on the object falling down , drag force by air acts in upward direction to oppose is downward motion. the drag force is directly propotional to the square of the speed. hence as the object gains speed in down direction , the drag force increase in upward direction.

at some velocity called terminal velocity , the sum of drag force and force of buoyancy becomes equal to the force of gravity and then there is no net force on the object . so the object then moves at constant terminal velocity.

at terminal velocity ,

force of gravity = force of air resistance + force of buoyancy