A raindrop of mass 3.35X10^-5 falls vertically at a constant speed under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Model the drop as a particle. As it falls 100 m, what is the work done on the raindrop (a)by the gravitational force and (b) by air resistance

Question

A raindrop of mass 3.35X10^-5 falls vertically at a constant speed under the influence of gravity and air resistance.  Model the drop as a particle.  As it falls 100 m, what  is the work done on the raindrop (a)by the gravitational force and (b) by air resistance

anonymous · Answer

The force of gravity is balanced by the force of the air resistance. Thus, the work done by gravity, mgh, equals that done in the opposite direction by air resistance. Essentially, this is like energy loss due to friction.