Rain drops falling from sky reach the ground with:

Correct answer: B. Constant terminal velocity

  • A. Constant acceleration
  • B. Constant terminal velocity
  • C. Acceleration greater than g
  • D. Variable acceleration

Explanation

The correct answer is Constant terminal velocity. When rain drops fall, they initially accelerate due to gravity. However, as they speed up, the air resistance acting against their motion increases until it equals the gravitational force. At this point, the net force on the drops is zero, and they continue to fall at a constant speed known as terminal velocity. This is why they reach the ground with a constant terminal velocity. The option 'Constant acceleration' is incorrect because once terminal velocity is reached, acceleration becomes zero. 'Acceleration greater than g' is incorrect because no additional forces act on the raindrops to exceed gravitational acceleration. 'Variable acceleration' is incorrect because although acceleration varies initially, it stabilizes to zero at terminal velocity.

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About Fluid Dynamics

Fluid flow is described through speed, pressure and density, including steady flow and the equation of continuity for conserving mass. Bernoulli's equation relates pressure, speed and height, while fluid drag and terminal velocity explain why a falling object eventually moves at constant speed when drag balances its weight.

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