On Wed, 17 Dec 2003 04:39:59 GMT, "Bob Swinney"
wrote:

Ignoring this will just confuse you.

Maybe, Ted, but *acceleration* from gravity is not diminished in any way.
At each instant, dt, acceleration is still present. The result is offset by
the drag of the air and a sort of equilibrium seems to exist, but
acceleration from gravity is constant. Matter of fact you and I are
accelerating right now toward the center of the earth - but our movement is
arrested by offsetting forces. Nevertheless, at any given instant, dt, we
are accelerating.

Acceleration is, by definitition, rate of change of velocity with
time AKA dv/dt. If me arse is changing velocity at the moment I
sure don't notice it.

Gravity is a force proportional to mass which makes it acceleration in
terms of math units, but that only becomes dv/dt in a force equation
after other forces like restraint ( the stool me arse is perched on)
and viscous or aerodynamic drag that impedes the descent of
snowflakes, parachutists, and other falling objects is included.