Quote:
Originally Posted by Phalanx
Only up to the point where they reach terminal velocity. Beyond that it doesn't matter how tall something is. So unless we're calculating terminal velocity for every conceivable object that could be thrown off a building and restricting height to something acceptably below that, it's kind of moot.
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Agree that it's limited by the aerodynamic characteristics of the object being thrown, i.e. when the force of air resistance equals the force due to gravity. So yeah, for something relatively light with a lot of surface area, like a chair, it will hit its terminal velocity quite quickly.
However, it's not really moot as a heavy object with little air resistance, like a cannonball for example, will possibly not reach its terminal velocity before it hits the ground, and therefore will accelerate until it hits below.
I don't think it's really a case of calculating the terminal velocity of every conceivable object, only that some cases will be worse than others. You also can't stick your head in the sand and pretend it doesn't exist, either.
But, you're right in that it's a senseless argument. As Ian says, a large rock thrown from an overpass can have equally devastating effects on the people below. Potential for danger exists everywhere... :twocents: