Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity definition

Constant maximum velocity reached when forces become balanced

Initial motion

Object accelerates because weight > air resistance

As speed increases

Air resistance increases

When air resistance = weight

Resultant force becomes zero

Acceleration at terminal velocity

Zero (object moves at constant speed)

Weight direction

Downwards

Air resistance direction

Upwards, opposite motion

Skydiver before opening parachute

Small air resistance → accelerates quickly

Skydiver just before terminal velocity

Air resistance increases until it balances weight

Skydiver at terminal velocity

Moves at constant high speed

Parachute opening effect

Greatly increases air resistance

After parachute opens

Air resistance > weight → skydiver decelerates

New terminal velocity

Lower constant speed once forces balance again

Reason for lower terminal velocity

Larger surface area increases air resistance