What is teminal velocity?

A freely falling object in air (or any other fluid for that matter) experiences two forces: the gravitational force and the force due to air resistance (or drag force).
While the gravitational force depends only on the mass of the object and acceleration due to gravity, for the most part we can consider it remains constant. The drag force on the other hand is a function of the velocity of the object, i.e. the magnitude of this force increases with increase in velocity.
When the object starts to fall the drag force is zero, this means that it only experiences one force that is the gravitational force that pulls it downwards. As the object gains velocity, the drag force gains magnitude and begins to act in the upward direction (i.e. in the direction opposite to the motion). This means that the net force experienced by the object reduces.
Eventually the object attains a velocity such that the drag force is equal in magnitude to the gravitational force, thus making the net force experience by the object zero.
This velocity is known as "terminal" velocity, since a freely falling object cannot fall faster than this.

RS
Answered by Rahul S. Physics tutor

4053 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

PHYSICS A LEVEL Explain why, when a red giant becomes a white dwarf, it moves towards the lower left of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram [2]


Explain the difference between energy and power.


Two cars are moving parallel to each other on a road. The first car is moving at a speed of 11 m/s, while the second car is moving at 17 m/s, what is the speed of the second car, relative to the first car.


what are the energy changes when a car rolls from the top of a hill to the bottom? Name two forces that would slow the acceleration of the car?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning