Frictional Force and Terminal Velocity (76)

Question 1

In what direction does Friction act?

Answer 1

Friction acts in the opposite direction to movement.

Question 2

Where do you get Friction?

Answer 2

You get Friction between two surfaces in contact or when an object passes through a fluid. This second example is called Drag.

Question 3

What are Frictional Forces in Fluids (gases and liquids) called?

Answer 3

Drag or Air Resistance.

Question 4

How can Drag be reduced?

Answer 4

Drag can be reduced by keeping objects Streamlined.

Question 5

What is the relationship between Frictional Forces and Speed?

Answer 5

Frictional Forces from Fluids always increse with Speed.

Question 6

When does a falling object reach Terminal Velocity?

Answer 6

When the Gravitaional Force acting upon it balances with the Air Resistance acting upon it and it reaches a constant Speed.

Question 7

What are the stages of a falling object?

Answer 7

1. When the object starts falling, Gravity is the strongest Force acting upon it so it Accelerates towards the ground.
2. This increase in Speed causes an increase in Air Resistance.
3. The Air Resistance keeps increasing until it balances with the Force of Gravity and the object stops Accelerating. This is called Terminal Velocity.

Question 8

Why are parachutes effective?

Answer 8

Because they have a large area so they are affected by Air Resistance and significantly slow down the descent of the person they are attached to.