Question

A 560-g squirrel with a surface area of 930cm2 falls from a 5.0-m tree to the ground. Estimate its terminal velocity. (Use a drag coefficient for a skydiver falling feet first.) What will be the velocity of a 56-kg person hitting the ground, assuming no drag contribution in such a short distance?

a) 15.6 m/s; 11.1 m/s
b) 17.3 m/s; 12.4 m/s
c) 19.2 m/s; 13.7 m/s
d) 21.1 m/s; 15.0 m/s

Answer 1

To estimate the terminal velocity of the squirrel, we need to calculate the drag force acting on it. For the 56-kg person, assuming no drag contribution, the velocity will depend on the distance they fall.

Step-by-step explanation:

The terminal velocity of an object falling through a fluid depends on its weight and the area facing the fluid. To estimate the terminal velocity of the squirrel, we need to calculate the drag force acting on it. The equation for drag force is given by:

Drag Force = Drag Coefficient * Cross-Sectional Area * 0.5 * Density of Fluid * Velocity^2

Using the provided information, we can calculate the drag coefficient for the squirrel. Assuming a drag coefficient for a horizontal skydiver, we can estimate its terminal velocity.

For a 56-kg person, assuming no drag contribution, the velocity will depend on the distance over which they fall. In a short distance, the contribution of drag can be neglected, so the velocity will be equal to the free fall velocity. The free fall velocity can be calculated using the equation:

Free Fall Velocity = sqrt(2 * gravity * distance)

By substituting the values, we can calculate the velocity of the person hitting the ground.