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. 

VN
Answered by Vedanth N. Physics tutor

4979 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Houses lose majority of their energy through the roof and windows. State the three methods of energy transfer. For the roof and windows respectively, describe one adaptation that could be made to improve their efficiency and explain their method.


A note was played on an electric keyboard. The frequency of the note was 440Hz. What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean?


A pendulum has a frequency of 0.80 Hz, calculate the periodic time of the pendulum.


What is the difference between speed and velocity?


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