Is the acceleration due to gravity larger or smaller when air resistance is considered?
Acceleration due to gravity is independent of the air resistance. However, if we are calculating acceleration of a particle in the presence of air resistance. We must find the net force exerted on it by both the gravitational pull and also the air resistance. This net force would depend on the direction of the motion of the particle as air resistance is simply another force that acts of the particle in motion. If the particle is moving upwards. Air resistance will act downwards, similar to gravitational force. Hence acceleration (or in this case deceleration as the particle is actually slowing down) will be greater. but if the particle is moving downwards, air resistance will act upwards and opposite to the gravitational force. Hence acceleration of the particle will be reduced.
