2007-02-15 15:34:49 · 4 answers · asked by scottdauphin 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
At how many feet does an object (like a bowling ball) reach max speed when dropped from 10,000 feet?
2007-02-15 15:45:19 · update #1
If we assume minimal friction, right before it hits the ground. If we take friction into account, still right before it hits the ground. It will accelerate at a rate of 9.8m/s with no friction, continuing to increase until it is stopped by something, in this case the ground.
2007-02-15 16:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by The Big Box 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a differential equation you can solve if you know the retardation term. From a practical point, assuming you have enough open space for the object to reach max speed, as M. Saunders has noted, it is several thousands of feet.
2007-02-15 15:41:39 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how high it was when it started to drop.
If it was high enough it reaches enough speed that when it gets close to the earth the atmosphere is dense enough to slow it down.
If it is not high enough then it continues accelerating until it runs into the surface of the Earth.
2007-02-15 15:45:03 · answer #3 · answered by anonimous 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The last instant before it contacts the ground.
2007-02-15 15:37:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋