How does drag behave as the speed of an object increases?

As the speed of an object increases, drag, also known as air resistance or fluid resistance, increases as well. This relationship is primarily due to the greater force exerted by the fluid (such as air or water) on the object as its velocity increases.

When an object moves through a fluid, it displaces fluid particles. As the speed of the object rises, it displaces more fluid in a given amount of time. The increased interaction with more fluid particles at higher speeds results in an increase in drag force. This relationship can be described by the drag equation, which states that drag force is proportional to the square of the velocity of the object. Therefore, if the speed doubles, the drag becomes four times greater, illustrating why it significantly increases with speed. Understanding this principle is essential in fields such as aerodynamics, where designers must consider how drag impacts the performance of vehicles and structures.