Raindrops fall to the ground with a uniform, constant velocity. This constant velocity is achieved when the gravitational pull is perfectly balanced by: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Raindrops fall to the ground with a uniform, constant velocity. This constant velocity is achieved when the gravitational pull is perfectly balanced by:
A. The sum of viscous drag force and buoyant force
B. Buoyant force alone
C. Viscous drag force alone
D. Surface tension of the drop
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
As a raindrop falls, it accelerates due to gravity. The upward viscous drag force of the air increases with the drop's velocity (Stokes' Law). Eventually, the downward weight of the drop is exactly balanced by the upward buoyant force of the air plus the upward viscous drag force. The net force becomes zero, and it falls with a constant 'terminal velocity'.

This question belongs to: Science Physics

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Practice More Physics Questions

Question #1 Report Error
The value of acceleration due to gravity g on the surface of Earth depends on
A. Shape of the object
B. Mass of the Earth
C. Rotation of the object
D. Mass of the object

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
g = GM/R², where M is mass of Earth, R radius, G universal constant. It does not depend on mass of falling object (Galileo's experiment). Earth's rotation causes slight variation but surface g is primarily determined by M and R. So mass of Earth is factor.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #2 Report Error
A body is thrown vertically upwards. At the highest point of its trajectory:
A. Velocity and acceleration are zero
B. Velocity is maximum and acceleration is zero
C. Both velocity and acceleration are maximum
D. Velocity is zero but acceleration is g downward

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
At maximum height, vertical velocity becomes zero momentarily. However, acceleration due to gravity (g) acts downward throughout the motion, including at the peak. Thus acceleration is g ≈ 9.8 m/s² downward, not zero. Memory tip: 'Peak of projectile: v=0, a=g downward'. This conceptual question tests understanding of motion under gravity, frequently appearing in competitive exams. Always distinguish velocity (which changes) from acceleration (constant in free fall near Earth). Misconception that acceleration is zero at peak is a common trap.

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #3 Report Error
A ray of light traveling from water (denser) into air (rarer) grazes the interface separating the two media. The angle of incidence in the water is called the:
A. Brewster's angle
B. Angle of refraction
C. Angle of polarization
D. Critical angle

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
When light travels from an optically denser medium to a rarer medium, it bends away from the normal. As the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction also increases. The specific angle of incidence for which the refracted ray grazes the surface (meaning the angle of refraction is exactly 90 degrees) is defined as the critical angle.

This question belongs to: Science Physics