Suppose a 2 kg object is falling through the air and accelerating downwards at 8 m/s². Taking g = 10 m/s² What is the magnitude and direction of the force of air resistance on it? A) 2N downward B) 2N upward C) 1N downward D) 1N upward

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The net force acting on the object can be calculated using Newton's second law, F = ma, where m is the mass (2 kg) and a is the acceleration (8 m/s^2). The gravitational force acting on the object is its weight, which is mg = 2kg * 10 m/s^2 = 20N downward. If the net acceleration is 8 m/s^2 downward, it means the net force is 2kg * 8 m/s^2 = 16N downward. To achieve a net force of 16N downward, considering the gravitational force is 20N downward, the force of air resistance must be 4N upward (20N downward - 4N upward = 16N downward). However, since none of the options match this calculation, it seems there was a mistake in my calculation process based on the provided options. Re-evaluating with the correct approach: The difference in force due to acceleration less than g indicates an upward force of air resistance. The actual force due to gravity is 20N (2kg * 10m/s^2), and the force needed to achieve the 8m/s^2 acceleration is 16N (2kg * 8m/s^2). The difference, 4N, is the force of air resistance, which opposes gravity, thus it acts upward. Given the options do not match this corrected explanation, it appears there was a misunderstanding in the interpretation of the question or a mistake in the calculation. The correct approach to determine the force of air resistance involves understanding it opposes the direction of gravity and calculating the difference between gravitational force and the net force needed for the given acceleration.

Suppose a 2 Kg Object Is Falling Through the Air