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.

Answered by Daisy D. Physics tutor

3800 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why is the sky blue?


A mass of 2kg is dropped from rest at a height of 10m. i) What is the initial GPE of the mass? ii) What is the final velocity of the mass when it hits the ground?


If Hannah slows down from a speed of 12 m/s to 8 m/s and has a mass of 45kg, how much force has been exerted on her to cause this deceleration?


Trolley A carrying mass 10kg is moving at speed 5m/s, and collides with stationary Trolley B carrying a mass 5kg. Indicating which Law you would apply, what is the speed and direction of Trolley B if Trolley A's resulting movement is 2m/s to the left?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy