Final Answer:
The terminal velocity of the stack of six coffee filters is Option 2: 5.921 m/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium (in this case, air) prevents further acceleration. It is achieved when the force of gravity pulling the object downward is balanced by the air resistance pushing upward. The formula for terminal velocity (Vₜ) is given by the equation Vₜ = √(2mg / ρACd), where m is the mass of the falling object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, ρ is the air density, A is the cross-sectional area, and Cd is the drag coefficient.
In the context of a stack of coffee filters, the mass (m), cross-sectional area (A), and drag coefficient (Cd) are crucial parameters. Given the options, we can calculate the terminal velocity for each and determine the correct one. The correct option is obtained by plugging the values into the formula and selecting the one that matches the calculated terminal velocity. In this case, the correct terminal velocity is approximately 5.921 m/s, matching with Option 2.
Understanding terminal velocity is essential in physics, especially in scenarios involving falling objects with air resistance. The calculation involves multiple factors, and the correct option represents the equilibrium point where the gravitational force and air resistance balance, resulting in a constant falling speed.