Understanding Drag Force and Aerodynamics

The video lecture, created by Brett Bevens and narrated by Shan Kupa, is part of Ohio University's science initiative funded by the NSF. It explores the concepts of free fall and air resistance, using examples like an elephant and a feather. The video explains Newton's Second Law and introduces the drag force equation, highlighting how air resistance affects falling objects. It discusses free body diagrams, terminal velocity, and the impact of air resistance on different objects. The lecture concludes with applications of air resistance in aerodynamics and potential STEM career opportunities.

What is the primary reason an elephant lands before a feather when dropped from the same height on Earth?

• The elephant is heavier.

• The feather is lighter.

• Air resistance affects the feather more.

• The elephant is more aerodynamic.

What is air resistance also known as?

• Thrust

• Lift

• Drag

• Gravity

According to Newton's Second Law, what is the acceleration of an object equal to?

• The mass of the object

• The density of the fluid

• The sum of the forces on the object divided by its mass

• The velocity of the object

Which factor does NOT affect the drag force on an object?

• Mass of the object

• Reference area of the object

• Density of the fluid

• Velocity of the object

In a vacuum, why do objects with different masses fall at the same rate?

• There is no gravity in a vacuum.

• Air resistance is absent.

• The force of gravity is stronger.

• The objects are weightless.

What happens to an object when it reaches terminal velocity?

• It stops moving.

• It accelerates faster.

• It falls at a constant speed.

• It rises upwards.

What is the relationship between drag force and velocity?

• Drag force decreases with velocity.

• Drag force is independent of velocity.

• Drag force is proportional to velocity squared.

• Drag force is inversely proportional to velocity.

Which of the following objects has the highest terminal velocity?

• Pingpong ball

• Human skydiver with arms and legs extended

• Baseball

• Raindrop

What is the primary focus of aerodynamics?

• Reducing weight

• Increasing weight

• Reducing air resistance

• Increasing air resistance

What is a potential career opportunity related to the study of air resistance?

• Meteorology

• Botany

• Geology

• Aerodynamics