Question

A 2.5-kg object is dropped from a height of 1000m. What is the force of air resistance on the object when it reaches terminal velocity?

Answer 1

24.5 N

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object in free fall reaches terminal velocity, Fd = Fg

Therefore, Fd (force of air resistance) = (2.5 kg)(9.8 m/s²) = 24.5 N

Note: if you have to calculate the terminal velocity, use the formula

Vt =
`√(2gh)`

Answer 2

24.5 N

Step-by-step explanation:

The falling object experiences its weight acting downwards and the air resistance in the opposite direction.

The air resistance increases with velocity so there may come a point, depending on the shape of the object and if there is sufficient height, where these 2 forces are equal.

Since the object has no net forces acting on it it will, according to Newton, no longer accelerate but continue with a constant velocity.

This is called Terminal Velocity.

So: Air resistance = weight R = m R = 2.5 × 9.8 = 24.5N