A DVD is dropped from rest. The DVD does not reach terminal velocity before it hits the ground. Explain how the acceleration of the DVD varies from the instant it is dropped until just before it hits the ground.

In the instant when the DVD is dropped, it will have an acceleration of g, with no drag force acting on it as it is not moving. As the DVD accelerates downwards, the drag force acting on it increases and so the magnitude of the net force downwards decreases, decreasing its acceleration. The DVD does not reach terminal velocity, so in the instant before it hits the ground, it will still be accelerating downwards.

DH
Answered by Dylan H. Physics tutor

4102 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the similarities and differences between an elastic and an inelastic collision?


Explain the forces involved in a pendulum set up.


A car is travelling at 10m/s when it brakes and decelerates at 2ms^-2 to a stop. How long does the car take to stop?


How do you use a Variable Resistor to determine values to show the relationship between I and V?


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