What happens at terminal velocity?

What happens at terminal velocity?

• A. The object experiences increasing acceleration
• B. The force of gravity exceeds air resistance
• C. The force of air resistance equals the force of gravity
• D. The object's speed continually increases

Answer: (C)

At terminal velocity, an object falls at a constant speed where the forces acting on it are balanced. Specifically, the gravitational force pulling the object downward is exactly equal to the upward force of air resistance. This balance of forces results in zero net force acting on the object, meaning there is no further acceleration. Once terminal velocity is reached, the object no longer speeds up, maintaining a constant velocity until some other force acts on it or it reaches the ground. The condition at terminal velocity is critical as it illustrates the principles of dynamics and motion, particularly how opposing forces can create a state of equilibrium. Understanding this concept is essential in fields like physics and engineering, where the behavior of falling objects is relevant.

At terminal velocity, an object falls at a constant speed where the forces acting on it are balanced. Specifically, the gravitational force pulling the object downward is exactly equal to the upward force of air resistance. This balance of forces results in zero net force acting on the object, meaning there is no further acceleration. Once terminal velocity is reached, the object no longer speeds up, maintaining a constant velocity until some other force acts on it or it reaches the ground.

The condition at terminal velocity is critical as it illustrates the principles of dynamics and motion, particularly how opposing forces can create a state of equilibrium. Understanding this concept is essential in fields like physics and engineering, where the behavior of falling objects is relevant.