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

4259 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what is a half life of a substance and how can you work it out.


Explain the resistance of and electrical component and what affects its value in a wire.


A ball of mass 500g is dropped from rest 2m above the ground. When it reaches the ground it is travelling at 5m/s. How much energy has been dissipated?


What's the difference between elastic and inelastic collisions ?


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