How does a falling object’s surface area affect calculations of terminal velocity?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The greater the object’s surface area, the more air resistance it encounters.
The greater the object’s surface area, the more air resistance it encounters.

Surface area does not affect an object’s terminal velocity.
Surface area does not affect an object’s terminal velocity.

The greater the object’s surface area, the greater the air density.
The greater the object’s surface area, the greater the air density.

The greater the object’s surface area, the greater its terminal velocity.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The greater the object’s surface area, the more air resistance it encounters.

This statement is accurate because an increase in surface area results in a larger area for air molecules to collide with, which in turn increases the drag force acting against the object as it falls. This affects the calculations of terminal velocity, as terminal velocity is reached when the force of gravity is balanced by the air resistance, and greater air resistance means a lower terminal velocity for the object.