Does the parachute exert a force upward?

In summary, a model rock is shot into the air and a parachute is deployed once it starts to fall. The free body diagram of the rocket with the parachute deployed would include gravity and air resistance, which causes the upward force acting on the parachute. This force can also be referred to as air drag.
  • #1
pointintime
166
0

Homework Statement



A model rock is shot into the air. Once it starts to fall a parachute is deployed. Draw a free body diagram of the rocket with the parachute deployed

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



ok well there is gravity
does the parachute exert a force upward? onto what? what do i call this force?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


it's not directly the parachute which causes the force upwards, all the parachute does is act as a huge sheet of strong paper above you, it's the air resistance which acts so much on the parachute (because it has a huge surface area- which is the determining factor for air resistance) which causes the upward force, you could also call it air drag.

is that all you need to know?
 
  • #3


Yes, the parachute does exert a force upward. This force is called air resistance or drag force. It is caused by the air molecules colliding with the surface of the parachute, pushing it upward and slowing its descent. This force is represented by the blue arrow in the free body diagram of the rocket with the parachute deployed. The other forces acting on the rocket are the weight of the rocket (represented by the red arrow pointing downwards) and the tension force from the parachute strings (represented by the green arrow pointing upwards).
 

Related to Does the parachute exert a force upward?

1. What is the purpose of a parachute?

A parachute is a device that is used to slow down the descent of an object, such as a person or a vehicle, through the atmosphere. It is designed to create drag and increase air resistance, thereby reducing the speed of the object's fall.

2. How does a parachute work?

A parachute works by creating air resistance, which counteracts the force of gravity pulling the object towards the ground. When the parachute is deployed, it opens up and catches the air, creating drag and slowing down the descent of the object.

3. Does the size of the parachute affect the force exerted upward?

Yes, the size of the parachute affects the force exerted upward. A larger parachute will create more air resistance and exert a greater force upward, slowing down the descent of the object more effectively compared to a smaller parachute.

4. What happens if the parachute fails to open?

If the parachute fails to open, the object will continue to fall towards the ground at its original speed. This can potentially lead to injury or even death, depending on the height of the fall and the surface the object lands on.

5. Does the weight of the object affect the effectiveness of the parachute?

Yes, the weight of the object does affect the effectiveness of the parachute. A heavier object will require a larger parachute to create enough drag to slow down its descent. Conversely, a lighter object can use a smaller parachute and still experience a significant reduction in speed.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
504
Back
Top