terminal velocity- CH10

velocity that a falling object reaches when the air resistance (frictional forces) and the weight are equal

terminal velocity

zero

resultant force when at terminal velocity

it will accelerate as only its weight is acting on it, resultant force acts downwards

what happens when the skydiver first starts falling?

air resistance is increasing as the speed is increasing, resultant force is decreasing

what happens after a few seconds of the skydiver falling?

when the skydiver’s weight equals the air resistance

when is terminal velocity reached?

parachute is released when terminal velocity is reached as they will die if they hit the ground at this high velocity

when do they let out their parachute?

to increase surface area which increases air resistance so that is is larger than the weight, resultant force acts upwards

what is the parachute’s role?

the velocity decreases so then air resistance decreases again

what does the larger surface area mean?

as air resistance decreases again it will at some point balance the weight again, this time the velocity is much lower

when is terminal velocity reached the second time?