What does the term terminal velocity mean?

Terminal velocity is the constant speed (in a particular direction) a body reaches when the forces are balanced, i.e. acceleration = 0 m s-2.

An example of this is a ball bearing dropped in oil.

⬆ Resistance (R)

O

⬇ Weight (W=mg)

Explanation: At first the forces are unbalanced and W > R so the ball accelerates downwards. The faster the ball moves the greater R is, so R is increasing. A point is reached where R = W. There is now no net force acting on the ball so it moves at a constant velocity (Newton's first law). This is the terminal velocity.

DD
Answered by Daisy D. Physics tutor

5983 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What does "superimposition" mean?


1. At the end of a marathon sweat covered runners are given a shiny foil sheet to stop them cooling down too quickly. a) Suggest why the runner may cool down too quickly without the foil sheet (1) b.) Explain how the foil sheet reduces heat loss(2)


State one advantage and one disadvantage of using a CT scanner, compared with ultrasound scanning, for forming images of the inside of the human body. (2 Marks)


Explain what led to the plum pudding model of the atom being replaced by the nuclear model of the atom.


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