What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity occurs when an object in free fall doesn't accelerate any further. As F=ma, when a = 0, F must be 0. F in this equation refers to resultant force. Because all objects in earth's gravity have a downwards force on them of mg, then for there to be no resultant force, there must be a corresponding upwards force of mg due to air resistance. 

So at the point where the force due to air resistance and the force due to gravity are equal, an object in free fall is at terminal velocity. 

VN
Answered by Vedanth N. Physics tutor

5475 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain in terms of specific heat capacity why a hot water bottle is good at heating a bed.


Ann and Bob play on a uniform seesaw. The seesaw is 4m long and Ann and Bob weigh 600N and 800N respectively. If both Ann and Bob start at one end of the seesaw and Bob starts to walk up the seesaw at 2m/s, after how long will the seesaw turn?


What is the current in a circuit?


When a force is applied to a spring, the spring extends by 12cm. The spring has a spring constant of 25 N/m. Calculate the force applied to the string in N.


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