Terminal Velocity

Front

What is terminal velocity?

Back

The constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium prevents further acceleration.

Front

What happens to a skydiver's velocity as they fall?

Back

The velocity increases until terminal velocity is reached.

Front

What happens to air resistance as a skydiver falls?

Back

Air resistance increases as the skydiver's speed increases.

Front

What is the relationship between weight and air resistance at terminal velocity?

Back

At terminal velocity, the weight of the skydiver is equal to the air resistance.

Front

What effect does changing position from vertical to horizontal have on terminal velocity?

Back

Changing to a horizontal position decreases terminal velocity.

Front

What does it mean for an object to be in equilibrium?

Back

An object is in equilibrium when the net force acting on it is zero, meaning all forces are balanced.

Front

Can an object in equilibrium have forces acting on it?

Back

Yes, an object can have multiple forces acting on it while still being in equilibrium.

Front

What is the role of gravity in free fall?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects towards the Earth, causing them to accelerate downwards.

Front

How does air resistance affect falling objects?

Back

Air resistance opposes the motion of falling objects, increasing with speed until it balances the weight.

Front

What happens to a skydiver’s speed just after jumping from a plane?

Back

The skydiver's speed increases rapidly due to gravity.