The work done in air resistance is to displace or resist the object’s motion. Let us elaborately discuss how work is done on the object by air resistance.
The work done by air resistance is a friction force that resists the object’s motion as it is felt in the direction against the motion. The air resistance is mainly responsible for dropping the object’s kinetic energy; thus, the work is done to increase its time of flight in the air.
We shall further discuss in detail the work done by the air resistance, whether it is positive or negative and how to calculate it, how it affects the air resistance, whether air resistance affects the gravity and the gravitational force on the objects, and the work done by the air resistance in free fall.
What is work done in air resistance?
Air resistance is the resistive force exerted on the object due to the air. Let us discuss the work done in air resistance in more detail here.
The work done in air resistance changes the object’s velocity while passing through the air column. The air is a fluid medium composed of atoms and molecules. When the object is dragged through this medium due to gravity and kinetic energy, these molecules exert a force on the object that resist the object’s velocity.
Is the work done by air resistance positive or negative?
The work done determines the power of air resistive force felt on the object. Let us discuss whether it is positive or negative.
The work done by the air resistance can be positive or negative depending on its velocity and the kinetic energy of an object. The work done on the object is a consequence of its motion and not the air volume. The air friction force is caused by particle abrasion.
Is work affected by air resistance?
The air resistance is basically felt on all the objects travelling through the air. Let us discuss how air resistance affects the total work of the system.
The work is affected by air resistance if the air resistance force is high and the work done is positive. The work done by the air resistance is positive if the air blowing with high speed drags the object from its path. The air resistance results in a change in the object’s momentum, thus affecting the total work.
How to calculate work done by air resistance?
There are various parameters affected by the total work done by the air resistance force. Let’s learn to calculate the work by the air resistive forces.
The work done by the air resistance is calculated as the product of the friction force and the distance travelled by an object while undergoing air resistance as W = Fd, where F is the air resistance force. It is a change in the object’s potential energy formulated as W = ∆E, where ∆E is the change in energy.
Does air resistance affect work done by gravity?
Gravity affects air resistance. Let us see whether the air resistance, which in turn affects the work done by gravity or not in detail.
The air resistance affects the work done by gravity based on the air volume and speed. Though the gravitational field strength is constant for all objects, the air resistance varies depending on the object’s mass. The objects having less gravitational potential energy feel less amount of the air resistance force.
Work Done by Air Resistance in Free Fall
The object drops down straight away, converting its potential to kinetic energy during its free fall. Let us discuss how air resistance does work on the object during its free fall.
The work done by the air resistance during the free fall equals the product of the object’s displacement and gravitational force. During the free fall, at the object’s highest amplitude, the gravitational force becomes equal to the air resistance force felt on the object and is held stationary for a few milliseconds.
FAQs
What is the work done by the air resistance on a volleyball in the air undergoes air resistance force of 13 N covering a distance of 30 m?
The expression to calculate the work done by the air resistance is given as W= Fd.
The work done on the volleyball by the air resistance is 390 J. It is given that F = 13 N, and d = 30 m. Hence, W = 13 N × 30 m = 390 J.
How does air resistance force depends on the object’s surface area?
The air resistance is directly dependent on the object’s surface area. The air resistance force is more for the large surface area of an object as it gives more surface for the air force to exert upon.
Does the air resistance force is equal for all the objects?
The air resistance is not equal for all the objects travelling in the same medium. It is because every object’s surface area and configuration may differ, and thus the air exerting the air resistance varies.
Do heavy objects undergo high resistance force than lighter objects?
The heavy objects move faster in the air than the lighter mediums; hence, the heavy objects undergo higher resistance force than the lighter objects.
Can air resistance for two objects be equal?
The air resistance for two objects can be equal, provided the two objects have equal densities and surface area.
Conclusion
The work done by the air resistance is negative and can be positive if the velocity of the air against the direction of the object’s motion is high enough to change its momentum. The air resistance force depends on speed, density, mass, and gravity.
Read more about Energy Loss In Air Resistance.
Read more about Air Resistance and Gravity.
Also Read:
- Direction of air resistance
- Effect of air resistance
- How to calculate air resistance
- What affects air resistance
- How to find power with voltage and resistance
- How to find power with resistance and current
- How to find power with resistance and voltage
- Air resistance vs friction
- How to find resistance with power and voltage
- How to find resistance when power and voltage is given
Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.