Skip to main content
Ch. 02 - Describing Motion: Kinematics in One Dimension
Giancoli Douglas - Physics for Scientists and Engineers 5th edition
Giancoli Douglas5th editionPhysics for Scientists and EngineersISBN: 9780137488179Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 2, Problema 74b

Air resistance acting on a falling body can be taken into account by the approximate relation for the acceleration: a = dv/dt = g ― kv, where k is a constant. Determine an expression for the terminal velocity, which is the maximum value the velocity reaches.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Start by understanding the given equation: \( a = \frac{dv}{dt} = g - kv \), where \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, \( k \) is a constant, and \( v \) is the velocity. The terminal velocity occurs when the acceleration \( a \) becomes zero, meaning the velocity no longer changes.
Set \( a = 0 \) in the equation \( a = g - kv \). This gives \( 0 = g - kv \). Rearrange this equation to solve for \( v \), which represents the terminal velocity.
Rearranging \( 0 = g - kv \), we get \( kv = g \). Divide both sides of the equation by \( k \) to isolate \( v \). This results in \( v = \frac{g}{k} \).
Interpret the result: The terminal velocity \( v_t \) is given by \( v_t = \frac{g}{k} \). This is the maximum velocity the object can reach when the force of air resistance balances the gravitational force.
Conclude that the terminal velocity depends on the constant \( k \), which represents the proportionality of air resistance, and \( g \), the acceleration due to gravity. A larger \( k \) (stronger air resistance) results in a smaller terminal velocity, while a smaller \( k \) results in a higher terminal velocity.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium through which it is falling prevents further acceleration. At this point, the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force, resulting in zero net acceleration. This concept is crucial for understanding how objects behave under the influence of gravity and air resistance.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
7:27
Escape Velocity

Air Resistance

Air resistance, or drag, is the force that opposes the motion of an object through air. It increases with the speed of the object and is influenced by factors such as the object's shape, size, and the density of the air. In the context of falling bodies, air resistance plays a significant role in determining the terminal velocity and affects how quickly an object accelerates.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
05:06
Energy Conservation with Air Resistance

Differential Equations

Differential equations are mathematical equations that relate a function to its derivatives, often used to describe dynamic systems. In this context, the equation a = dv/dt = g - kv represents a first-order linear differential equation that models the motion of a falling body under gravity and air resistance. Solving this equation helps determine the velocity of the object as a function of time, leading to the expression for terminal velocity.
Video consigliato:
Percorso guidato
08:25
Kinematics Equations