Question

A sheet of paper falls faster when it is crumpled because the crumpled sheet of paper

• A. experiences a stronger force of gravity
• B. experiences a greater acceleration due to gravity
• C. experiences less air resistance
• D. has more weight

Answer 1

The correct option is C

experiences less air resistance

Explanation of correct option:

Part C:

1. A crumpled paper ball has a reduced area as compared to a sheet of paper which has a larger surface area.
2. So, the sheet of paper will face a lot of air resistance when the sheet of paper is dropped from a height as its area is large.
3. Thus, the speed of the sheet decreases and it will fall at a slower rate.
4. On the other hand, if a sheet of paper is crumpled into a ball and is dropped from a height it will experience less resistance from the air and its speed will increase due to which it will fall at a faster rate because of its small area.

Explanation of incorrect option:

Part A: As the weight of both the objects is the same so they will experience the same force of gravity.

Part B: We know that acceleration due to gravity is the same for all objects and acts equally on all objects kept at the same latitude.

Part D: The weight of both the objects is the same as we have crumpled the same sheet of paper into a ball.

Thus, the correct answer is (c).