What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity occurs when an object in free fall doesn't accelerate any further. As F=ma, when a = 0, F must be 0. F in this equation refers to resultant force. Because all objects in earth's gravity have a downwards force on them of mg, then for there to be no resultant force, there must be a corresponding upwards force of mg due to air resistance. 

So at the point where the force due to air resistance and the force due to gravity are equal, an object in free fall is at terminal velocity. 

Answered by Vedanth N. Physics tutor

3139 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How to calculate temperature of expanded ideal gas.


What is meant by 'dissipated energy'?


Sam has a 250 g toy car that he launches with a rubber band up a track to do a jump. Sam builds a ramp for his jump that is 0.5 m high and the car is launched at a velocity of 3.0 m/s. With no friction, will the car jump off the end of the ramp?


How is a PET scanner able to locate a tumour in the patient's body?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy