Describe the different forces upon a falling object with reference to Newton's first law.

A falling object will reach terminal velocity when the force draging it down (ie its weight due to gravity) is equal to the air resistance opposing the motion upwards. When the two forces are equal the object will experience a constant velocity downwards and thus no acceleration. This is in accordance with Newton's second law that states that an object will remain in its current state of motion unless acted upon by another force.

AL
Answered by Adam L. Physics tutor

3146 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A lamp has a rating of 18V 9W. How much energy is transferred to the bulb in 5 minutes? Calculate the current through it when connected to a 18V supply.


How deep is the water if it takes a pulse of ultrasound 0.8s to be received back at the boat. the speed of ultrasound is 1600m/s in water


A baseball player strikes a ball with an initial velocity of 43ms^-1 at an angle of 32° to the horizontal. How far does the ball travel horizontally in 4 seconds?


A coal fire is burning in the bottom of a furnace, with a chimney above it. Air moves into the furnace from an opening at the bottom and up the chimney. Describe how the process of convection causes this air movement.


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