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Air Resistance — Reading Comprehension

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MS-PS2-1

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This engaging, NGSS-aligned informational passage explores the science of air resistance—also known as fluid friction through air. By introducing the core concepts behind how and why air resistance acts on moving objects, this resource dives into the mechanisms that slow down objects in motion, such as speed, surface area, and shape. Real-world examples—including skydiving, parachutes, and the aerodynamic design of vehicles—illustrate the effects and applications of air resistance. The passage provides a deep dive into related concepts like terminal velocity, with accessible explanations and a glossary of key science terms. Designed for grades 6-8, it supports standards MS-PS2-1 and is suitable for classroom or independent study. Activities include multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to build comprehension and analytical skills. Both English and Spanish versions, along with a differentiated reading level, are provided. Audio integration is available for diverse learners. This resource is perfect for building scientific literacy and understanding real-world applications of physical science.

CONTENT PREVIEW

An educational illustration depicting factors affecting air resistance and terminal velocity. — Factors affecting air resistance and terminal velocity.

Air resistance is a force that acts against objects as they move through the air. It plays a crucial role in how fast or slow things fall or travel. When an object moves, it must push air molecules out of its way, and this interaction creates a type of friction called fluid friction. Scientists have discovered that air resistance can change the motion of objects in surprising ways, from slowing down skydivers to shaping the design of cars and airplanes. Understanding air resistance helps engineers and inventors create safer and more efficient technology.

How Air Resistance Works

Air resistance happens because air is made of tiny particles that push back against anything moving through it. The faster an object moves, the more air particles it meets per second, and the greater the resistance. Three main factors affect air resistance: speed, surface area, and shape. As speed increases, air resistance also increases. If an object has a large surface area, like a parachute, it meets more air and slows down more quickly. The shape of an object matters too. Streamlined, or aerodynamic, shapes allow air to flow smoothly around them, reducing resistance. For example, race cars and airplanes are designed with rounded, sloped bodies to cut through air efficiently.

Terminal Velocity and Real-World Examples

When an object falls, gravity pulls it downward, but air resistance pushes upward. As it speeds up, air resistance increases until it equals the force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed known as terminal velocity. Skydivers experience this when they jump from planes. Without a parachute, their terminal velocity is around 53 meters per second (about 120 mph), but when they open a parachute, the large surface area increases air resistance, lowering terminal velocity to a much safer speed. In contrast, a feather and a hammer dropped together in air fall at different rates because the feather encounters more air resistance for its weight. However, on the Moon—where there is no air—they fall at the same rate, showing that air resistance is the key difference.

Broader Implications and Applications

Understanding air resistance has led to important advancements in transportation and safety. Engineers design vehicles to be aerodynamic to save fuel and reduce emissions, while athletes wear tight-fitting suits to minimize drag during races. Even in sports, balls and equipment are shaped to control air resistance and improve performance. Scientists continue to study how air resistance interacts with other forces, such as gravity, to better predict motion in different environments. These principles are part of the larger science of forces and motion, which help explain everything from falling leaves to spacecraft re-entering Earth's atmosphere.

Understanding air resistance not only helps us make better technology but also deepens our knowledge of the natural world and the laws that govern it. As we develop new materials and explore different planets, the way we think about air resistance will continue to evolve.

Interesting Fact: The world record for the highest skydive was set from over 39 kilometers above Earth, where the air is so thin that there is almost no air resistance at first!

What is air resistance?

A force that acts against objects moving through the airA force that attracts objects to the groundA type of energy that makes objects warmerA material that insulates against heat

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects air resistance?

SpeedColorShapeSurface area

What happens to air resistance as an object moves faster?

Air resistance decreasesAir resistance stays the sameAir resistance increasesAir resistance disappears

What is terminal velocity?

The slowest speed an object can fallThe constant speed when air resistance equals gravityThe fastest speed in the universeThe speed objects move in a vacuum

In the passage, why do cars and planes have aerodynamic shapes?

To increase air resistanceTo reduce air resistance and move efficientlyTo make them more colorfulTo make them heavier

Based on the passage, what would happen if you dropped a feather and a hammer on the Moon?

The hammer would fall fasterThe feather would float upwardThey would fall at the same rateThe feather would fall slower

What is the main purpose of a parachute?

To increase speed while fallingTo increase air resistance and slow down a personTo make someone heavierTo create more gravity

True or False: Air resistance is a type of friction.

TrueFalse

True or False: Terminal velocity occurs when gravity and air resistance are balanced.

TrueFalse

Which best describes the relationship between air resistance and surface area?

Larger surface area increases air resistanceLarger surface area decreases air resistanceSurface area has no effectSmaller surface area increases air resistance