Frictional Force And Terminal Velocity Flashcards
What is friction?
The resistance that occurs when one object rubs over another
What direction does friction always act in?
The opposite direction to movement
To travel at a steady speed what does the friction have to equal?
The driving force
When can friction occur)
When two surfaces are in contact
When an object passes through a fluid(drag)
How do you reduce drag in a fluid?
Keep the shape of the object streamlined
What happens when drag increases?
The speed increases.
For example, car has more friction to work against at 70mph than at 30mph so engine has to work harder to maintain a steady speed
Describe how an object reaches terminal velocity?
When falling objects first set off the gravity is greater than the friction so they accelerate
As speed increases so does friction
This reduces acceleration until eventually the frictional force is equal to the accelerating force
It has reached terminal velocity and will fall at a steady speed
What does frictional force depend on?
Shape and area
E.g parachute =large area = more air resistance =reduced terminal velocity
