Final answer:
An object in free fall experiences a "drag" force due to air resistance or fluid friction. The drag force arises from the interaction between the object and the air or fluid it passes through. The magnitude of the drag force depends on factors such as speed, surface area, and fluid viscosity.
Step-by-step explanation:
An object in free fall experiences a "drag" force due to the presence of air resistance or fluid friction. The drag force arises from the interaction between the object and the air or fluid through which it is moving. As the object falls, it pushes against the air particles, causing them to exert a resistance force on the object in the opposite direction of its motion.
The magnitude of the drag force depends on factors such as the speed of the object, the surface area facing the flow, and the fluid's viscosity. For example, larger objects or those with greater surface areas experience more drag than smaller or streamlined objects. The drag force increases with an increase in velocity but eventually reaches a terminal value when the object's acceleration due to gravity equals the drag force.
One can observe the effect of drag force in everyday life, such as when throwing objects into the air. The presence of air resistance causes objects to fall more slowly compared to a vacuum or a situation where drag is negligible.
Learn more about Causes of drag force in objects in free fall