Explain what is meant by “terminal velocity” with regards to falling objects.

Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity (a vector quantity that accounts for speed and direction) that can be attained by a falling object of a certain surface area. Objects accelerate downwards due to the force of gravity (their weight), and therefore increase in velocity. However, there is also an opposing force of air resistance. Whilst weight stays constant, air resistance increases with the velocity at which the object is travelling. Eventually, at a high velocity, the two forces will be equal and opposite, and so the net force will be zero and the object will cease to accelerate. It stays at this velocity, the terminal velocity.