Gravitation · Class 9 · CBSE Science
Why does a sheet of paper fall slower than one crumpled into a ball in air?
Practice question from Gravitation (Class 9 · CBSE Science), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.
easy · Subjective · Q-A13BC7
Why does a sheet of paper fall slower than one crumpled into a ball in air?
Answer: A flat sheet of paper experiences a larger air resistance (fluid friction) due to its larger surface area compared to its weight, which slows down its fall. When crumpled into a ball, its surface area decreases significantly, reducing the air resistance so it falls much faster under gravity.
Solution
Air resistance opposes the motion of falling objects. A larger surface area increases this opposing force, whereas a compact crumpled ball experiences less air resistance and falls faster.
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