What does the term terminal velocity mean?

Terminal velocity is the constant speed (in a particular direction) a body reaches when the forces are balanced, i.e. acceleration = 0 m s-2.

An example of this is a ball bearing dropped in oil.

⬆ Resistance (R)

O

⬇ Weight (W=mg)

Explanation: At first the forces are unbalanced and W > R so the ball accelerates downwards. The faster the ball moves the greater R is, so R is increasing. A point is reached where R = W. There is now no net force acting on the ball so it moves at a constant velocity (Newton's first law). This is the terminal velocity.

DD
Answered by Daisy D. Physics tutor

5148 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How is a PET scanner able to locate a tumour in the patient's body?


What is terminal velocity?


Resistors of 5 ohms and 10 ohms are connected in series with a battery supplying 3 volts. What is the total resistance ? And calculate the current in the circuit.


If a car drives at 5 ms^-1 for 10 seconds and then 6 ms^-1 for 5 seconds, how far has it travelled in total?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning