Raindrops fall from a great height. Which among the following statements is true regarding it?
(1) they fall with that ultimate velocity, which is different for different droplets
(2) they fall with the same ultimate velocity
(3) their velocity increases and they fall with different velocity on the earth
(4) their velocity increases and they fall with the same velocity on the earth
Answer: (1) Any mass is attracted to the Earth by the pull of gravity. Gravity accelerates all objects towards the ground at a specific rate. Without any other forces present, the speed of an object in free fall will increase the farther or longer it falls. In general, the air resistance on an object depends upon several variables. First, it depends upon the shape of the object. Its shape determines the object’s drag coefficient: the more aerodynamic the shape, the less drag. Second, it depends upon the size of the object; specifically, the cross-sectional area presented to the airflow (perpendicular to the direction of travel). And lastly, it depends upon the speed of the object. At low speeds, the object’s resistance is directly proportional to speed, and at higher speeds, the object’s resistance is proportional to its speed squared. Most objects falling through the air would be considered to be moving at a higher speed, even though that speed might not be great compared to some velocities.
