Chapter 3, Problem 18RQ

What two principal factors affect the force of air drag on a falling object?

To determine

The two principal factors affecting the force of air drag on falling objects.

Answer to Problem 18RQ

The two principal factors affecting the force of air drag on a falling object are frontal area and speed of a falling object.

Explanation of Solution

The free-fall is the condition of a falling object under a single influence of gravity of the planet, where other forces such as air resistance are neglected. The acceleration of the free-falling body is always equal to the gravitational acceleration offered by the planet. The standard value of acceleration due to gravity of the earth is $9.8{\text{m/s}}^2$ and it is represented by "g".

The force of air drag on a falling object initially depends upon the frontal area of a falling object and then the speed of a falling object. If the frontal area of a falling object is more, then the air resistance offered to the falling object is more as compared to less frontal area object. If the speed of a free-falling object is more, then also the air resistance offered is more.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the two principal factors affecting the force of air drag on a falling object are frontal area and speed of a falling object.