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 ▸

How does refraction work?


Describe the forces acting on a skydiver jumping out of a plane and explain why opening a parachute reduces the velocity


An apple is suspended a string and a spring in parallel. When the string is cut, the apple falls, and the spring stretches and contracts repeatedly as the apple bounces. Describe the energy conversions that occur during this process.


The maximum speed this cyclist can travel on a level road is 14 m/s. How does cycling uphill affect the maximum speed of this cyclist? Explain your answer.