When a flying squirrel leaps from a tree branch and air resistance is considered, how do the forces on the squirrel change compared to the scenario without air resistance?

Answer 1

When air resistance is considered, the forces on the flying squirrel change compared to the scenario without air resistance.

Without air resistance, the only force acting on the squirrel during the leap would be gravity pulling it downward. However, when air resistance is considered, an additional force acts in the opposite direction of the squirrel's motion. This force is called drag and is caused by the resistance of the air molecules pushing against the moving squirrel.

In the scenario with air resistance, the forces on the squirrel include gravity pulling it downward and drag opposing its motion in the air. As a result, the squirrel experiences a downward net force that is less than the gravitational force acting on it.

Overall, the inclusion of air resistance alters the forces on the flying squirrel, reducing the net force it experiences and potentially affecting its trajectory and landing.