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Discussion - Encyclopedia > Terminal velocity
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further discussion on Encyclopedia > Terminal velocity
David (London)
30th January 2009 |
I read this entry with interest but have a terminal velocity problem I am mulling over. Can anyone help?
Two steel balls, one large, one small. Both at the same height and released from rest simultaneously in a liquid. Will they fall at the same rate?
Part of me thinks: the smaller ball will fall faster because it will encounter less drag in the fluid (drag force depends on shape, along with speed and the viscosity of the liquid). Then I think they will fall at the same rate: the larger ball will have greater mass (hence weight) and be opposed by greater drag but this mataches the smaller mass:smaller drag relationship of the smaller ball.
Can anyone help? |
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