What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the final velocity an object achieves during freefall through a medium under the influence of gravity and upthrust from the medium. For example, dropping a tennis ball from a plane. The velocity at the instantaneous start will only be caused by the weight force of the ball. As it falls, it gains velocity due to gravitational acceleration, but the frictional force due to air resistance also increases. As velocity of the ball increases, the force due to friction also increases. Once the force from friction is equal to the weight force of the ball, the velocity of the ball will reach a maximum and stay constant. The assumption here is that there are no other forces acting on the ball other than the gravitational force and the frictional force from air resistance.

CJ
Answered by Chenyang J. Physics tutor

3878 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A bullet is fired horizontally from a rifle 1.5m from the ground at 430m/s. How far does it travel and for how long does it travel before it hits the ground?


What is the difference between Transverse and Longitudinal waves?


How fast are geostationary satellites moving?


A 1000kg car accelerates from 0 to 20 m/s in 15 seconds. Calculate the acceleration of the car, the force required for this acceleration and the momentum of the car at 20 m/s.


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