The Science of Terminal Velocity: Explained with Newton's First Law of Motion

The video explains how a falling object reaches terminal velocity by applying Newton's first law of motion. Initially, the object accelerates due to gravity, with no air resistance. As it speeds up, air resistance increases, reducing the resultant force and acceleration. Eventually, air resistance equals the object's weight, resulting in zero acceleration and constant speed, known as terminal velocity. The velocity-time graph illustrates this process, showing decreasing acceleration as the object approaches terminal velocity.

What happens to a falling object when it is first released and its velocity is 0?

Explain how air resistance affects the motion of a falling object.

What occurs when the air resistance on a falling object becomes equal to its weight?

How does the graph of velocity against time illustrate the concept of terminal velocity?

Describe the relationship between acceleration and the resultant force on a falling object as it approaches terminal velocity.