A DVD is dropped from rest. The DVD does not reach terminal velocity before it hits the ground. Explain how the acceleration of the DVD varies from the instant it is dropped until just before it hits the ground.

In the instant when the DVD is dropped, it will have an acceleration of g, with no drag force acting on it as it is not moving. As the DVD accelerates downwards, the drag force acting on it increases and so the magnitude of the net force downwards decreases, decreasing its acceleration. The DVD does not reach terminal velocity, so in the instant before it hits the ground, it will still be accelerating downwards.

DH
Answered by Dylan H. Physics tutor

3966 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the refractive index of water bigger than that of air?


A box initially at rest is on a plank, of length 5m, that is elevated at an angle such that tan(a)=3/4. When it reaches the end of the plank it has velocity 5ms^-1. Calculate the average frictional force on the box.


In a circuit with a thermistor and bulb, what happens to the brightness of the bulb as the temperature increases?


What is the minimum initial velocity necessary for an object to leave Earth?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning