Terminal Velocity -
is the highest speed a falling object can reach as it moves through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the downward force of gravity is perfectly balanced by the upward resistance of the fluid, known as drag . At this precise point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a steady, constant speed. The Physics of Falling
When an object starts to fall, gravity is the dominant force, causing it to speed up rapidly. However, as its speed increases, it collides with more air particles, which creates an opposing upward force called air resistance or drag. : Initially, gravity ( Fgcap F sub g ) is much stronger than drag ( Fdcap F sub d ), so the object accelerates downward. Terminal Velocity
: Falling through "thicker" fluids like water results in a lower terminal velocity than falling through "thin" air. Real-World Examples Terminal Velocity - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics is the highest speed a falling object can
You can calculate terminal velocity using the following equation provided by Science Buddies : The Physics of Falling When an object starts
: As the object gets faster, the drag force grows until it exactly matches the weight of the object. Steady State : Once