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

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how making a saucepan black and adding fins will help heat food up faster


Calculate the distance travelled by the ball traveling at 3m/s for 60 seconds


Describe the changes in forces experienced by a parachutist after they have started falling


Trolley A carrying mass 10kg is moving at speed 5m/s, and collides with stationary Trolley B carrying a mass 5kg. Indicating which Law you would apply, what is the speed and direction of Trolley B if Trolley A's resulting movement is 2m/s to the left?