The force of air resistance acting on a certain falling object is roughly proportional to the square of the object's velocity and is directed upward. If the object falls fast enough, will the force of air resistance eventually exceed the weight of the object and cause the object to move upward? Explain.
Forces
The weight of the object is the force exerted by gravity on the object and is always directed downward. In contrast, the force of air resistance is directed upward and acts to oppose the motion of the object.
As the object falls and its velocity increases, the force of air resistance also increases. However, the force of air resistance can never exceed the weight of the object. This is because the force of air resistance is proportional to the square of the object's velocity, while the weight is constant regardless of velocity.
Therefore, even if the object falls very fast and the force of air resistance becomes large, it will never exceed the weight of the object. The weight of the object will always be greater and will continue to pull the object downward. The force of air resistance will only slow down the object's descent but will never cause it to move upward.