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

3689 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain why a smoke alarm works by emitting and detecting alpha radiation instead of gamma or beta radiation.


Why does a change in depth in water give a far greater difference in pressure than the same change in height in air?


Two beakers contain water at room temperature. One contains 200ml, the other 400ml. If both beakers are heated above identical Bunsen burners, which of the two will take longer to boil?


A boy with a mass of 50kg is sitting on a seesaw. He is sitting 2m from the pivot. He has a friend who weighs 40kg, how far away from the pivot must she sit to balance the seesaw? (gravitational accelleration (g) = 10m/s2)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences