Enhanced 3D Raindrop Physics Simulation
This enhanced 3D visualization demonstrates a raindrop falling under gravity with air resistance, featuring realistic physics, beautiful lighting, and interactive controls. Based on Example 6.2 from the textbook.
Height
1000 m
Velocity
0 m/s
Time
0.00 s
Kinetic Energy
0.00 J
Air Resistance
0.00 N
Gravity (Fg)
Air Resistance (Fr)
Raindrop
Net Force
Physics Explanation
From the textbook example with a 1.00 g raindrop falling from 1.00 km:
Work done by gravity (Wg):
Wg = mgh = (10-3 kg)(10 m/s²)(1000 m) = 10.0 J
Wg = mgh = (10-3 kg)(10 m/s²)(1000 m) = 10.0 J
Final kinetic energy (ΔK):
ΔK = ½mv² = ½(10-3 kg)(50 m/s)² = 1.25 J
ΔK = ½mv² = ½(10-3 kg)(50 m/s)² = 1.25 J
Work done by air resistance (Wr):
From work-energy theorem: ΔK = Wg + Wr
Wr = ΔK - Wg = 1.25 J - 10.0 J = -8.75 J
From work-energy theorem: ΔK = Wg + Wr
Wr = ΔK - Wg = 1.25 J - 10.0 J = -8.75 J
The negative sign indicates the resistive force opposes the motion.
Visualization Notes
This enhanced visualization shows:
- Realistic raindrop shape with surface tension effects
- Dynamic lighting that changes with the drop's position
- Force vectors that scale with magnitude
- Optional rain effect to show environmental context
- Camera follow mode to track the raindrop