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

3109 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Give an example of a transverse and longitudinal wave.


How does a radioactive nucleus emit electrons when it doesn't contain any?


How does the resistance of a filament lamp change as the voltage increase?


If v = 10, a = 2 and t = 4, what is u


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