Specifically, if the objects were spheres of equal volume but of different mass so as to be as aerodynamic as possible and dropped from a height so terminal velocity can be reached. which object will hit the ground first?
2007-01-09 09:24:18 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Terminal velocity (with volume, cross sectional area and the density of the air held constant) increases as the mass increases (specifically by the square root of the mass). Therefore the more dense of the two spheres will reach the ground first as it will cease accelerating after the other object.
2007-01-09 09:30:44 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If both objects are sufficiently aerodynamic to reach terminal velocity, they will both hit the ground at the same time, as Galilleo (I'm pretty sure it was him) demonstrated in a famous experiment conducted from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
2007-01-09 17:31:20 · answer #2 · answered by The answer guy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The heavier one will hit first as it has a higher terminal velocity.
Vt = K(mg - D) Since they are the same volume, K & D are the same and Vt is a function of the mass......
2007-01-09 17:37:23 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
assuming that this references conditions on earth, it would be the one with the least friction from the air... more aerodynamic... however, in a controlled environment test within a vacuum, they would both land at the same time (if they were dropped at the same time).
2007-01-09 17:33:13 · answer #4 · answered by bilko_ca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THe object that is more heavier is going to fall faster belive me every body is going to say that
2007-01-09 17:33:31 · answer #5 · answered by deadman 4 life 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋