Question

A flat sheet of paper is dropped from a height of 20 m. The flat surface of the paper gives it a large surface area. The size of each arrow represents the size of the force.

What will happen to the flat paper once it is released?
A The paper will move at a constant speed.
B The paper will start slowing to a stop.
C The paper will speed up.
D The paper will slow down.

Answer 1

Released from a height, a flat sheet of paper will initially accelerate due to gravity but then reach terminal velocity and fall at a constant speed due to the balancing forces of gravity and air resistance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a flat sheet of paper is dropped from a height, several forces act upon it as it falls. Initially, gravity will cause the paper to accelerate downwards. However, due to the paper's large surface area, air resistance quickly becomes significant, opposing the force of gravity. This air resistance will increase as the speed of the paper increases, up to a point where it balances the gravitational force. At this balance point, the paper will reach a condition called terminal velocity, where it continues to fall but at a constant speed. Hence, when released, the flat paper will initially speed up but eventually move at a constant speed.