GCSE Physics - Terminal Velocity #55

While I can't create visual mind maps, I can help outline the information in a structured format similar to a mind map. Here’s a breakdown based on the topic of terminal velocity:

Terminal Velocity Overview

• Definition: Constant velocity of an object when falling.

Key Concepts

1. Initial Fall

   • Moment of stepping out of an airplane:

     • Downward force due to gravity (weight).

     • Only force acting initially is weight (downward acceleration).

2. Forces in Play

   • As the person falls:

     • Air resistance (drag) acts upwards.

     • Air resistance factors:

       • Surface Area

       • Velocity

     • Resultant Force = Weight - Air resistance.

3. Acceleration Changes

   • Increasing fall speed leads to:

     • Increased air resistance.

     • Decreased resultant force while weight remains constant.

4. Velocity-Time Graph

   • Represents changing velocity over time:

     • Increasing velocity leads to a decreasing slope (reduced acceleration).

     • Terminal velocity reached when air resistance equals weight (zero resultant force).

5. Effect of Parachute

   • Parachute deployment increases surface area:

     • Major increase in air resistance.

     • Changes resultant force direction (upwards).

     • New lower terminal velocity established.

Conclusion

• Free fall results in terminal velocity when air resistance balances weight, stopping further acceleration.

Feel free to ask for more specific breakdowns or areas to clarify!