Terminal Velocity

Definition

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object can reach while falling through a fluid, such as air or water, under the influence of gravity. It is the point at which the drag force acting on the object exactly balances the force of gravity, resulting in a constant velocity of descent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Terminal velocity is reached when the drag force acting on a falling object exactly balances the force of gravity, resulting in a constant downward velocity.
2. The terminal velocity of an object depends on its mass, shape, and the properties of the fluid it is falling through, such as density and viscosity.
3. Streamlined objects, such as skydiver in a spread-eagle position, typically have a higher terminal velocity compared to objects with more irregular shapes.
4. In a vacuum, where there is no air resistance, an object would continue to accelerate due to gravity and never reach a terminal velocity.
5. Terminal velocity is an important concept in the study of motion in fluids, as it helps to understand the behavior of objects falling through various media, such as air, water, or other viscous fluids.

Review Questions

• Explain how terminal velocity is achieved and the factors that influence it.
  • Terminal velocity is achieved when the drag force acting on a falling object exactly balances the force of gravity. As an object falls, the drag force increases with its velocity, until it reaches a point where the drag force equals the gravitational force. At this point, the object stops accelerating and maintains a constant, terminal velocity. The terminal velocity of an object depends on its mass, shape, and the properties of the fluid it is falling through, such as density and viscosity. Streamlined objects typically have a higher terminal velocity compared to objects with more irregular shapes.
• Describe the relationship between terminal velocity and the motion of an object in a viscous fluid.
  • In the context of motion in a viscous fluid, such as a falling object in water or a moving object in honey, terminal velocity is an important concept. The viscosity of the fluid plays a significant role in determining the terminal velocity of the object. As the object moves through the viscous fluid, it experiences a drag force that increases with the velocity of the object. This drag force eventually balances the gravitational force, resulting in the object reaching a constant terminal velocity. The higher the viscosity of the fluid, the greater the drag force and the lower the terminal velocity of the object.
• Analyze how the concept of terminal velocity relates to the motion of falling objects, as described in the topic of 'Falling Objects'.
  • The concept of terminal velocity is central to the understanding of the motion of falling objects, as described in the topic of 'Falling Objects'. When an object is dropped or thrown downward, it initially accelerates due to the force of gravity. However, as the object's velocity increases, it also experiences an increasing drag force that opposes its motion. Eventually, the drag force exactly balances the gravitational force, and the object reaches its terminal velocity, at which point it no longer accelerates and maintains a constant downward speed. The terminal velocity of a falling object depends on factors such as its mass, shape, and the properties of the fluid it is falling through, which are all important considerations in the study of falling objects.

Related terms

Drag Force: The force that opposes the motion of an object moving through a fluid, such as air or water, caused by the interaction between the object and the fluid.

Gravitational Acceleration: The acceleration experienced by an object due to the force of gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface.

Viscous Fluid:

A fluid that offers resistance to flow, such as honey or syrup, where the viscosity of the fluid plays a significant role in the motion of objects within it.