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

6082 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

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


A hair dryer uses 2000J in 5 seconds when on full power. The power used is?


Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using nuclear power stations rather than gas-fired power stations to generate electricity. (2 Marks)


How does temperature relate to the structure of solids and liquids?


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