Question

How does a falling object's surface area affect calculations of terminal velocity? (1 point)
O The greater the object's surface area, the greater the air density.
• The greater the object's surface area, the more air resistance it encounters.
• Surface area does not affect an object's terminal velocity.
• The greater the object's surface area, the greater its terminal velocity.

Answer 1

The correct choice is: "The greater the object's surface area, the more air resistance it encounters."

Explanation: Drag ∝ A, and terminal velocity satisfies mg = ½ C_d ρ A v_t^2, so increasing A increases drag and lowers v_t (v_t = sqrt(2mg/(C_d ρ A))).