Chapter 3, Problem 20RQ

If two objects of the same size fall through air at different speeds, which encounters the greater air drag?

To determine

The object that encounters greater air drag when two objects fall through air at different speeds.

Answer to Problem 20RQ

The object which encounters greater air drag is the object that falls with a greater speed.

Explanation of Solution

The maximum achievable velocity that a body can achieve in a free-fall condition is termed as its terminal velocity. This condition occurs when the downward force due to the gravity and the sum of drag and buoyancy force is balanced.

The air drag will be higher if the body is moving with a higher velocity, depending on its constant mass. Hence, when two objects having the same size is freely falling through the air at a different speed, then the object falling at higher speed will encounter greater air drag.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the object which encounters greater air drag is the one which falls with a greater speed.