GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Terminal Velocity

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Forces Forces and motion

Terminal Velocity

5:51 Terminal Velocity
Spec 4.5.6.1.5
Previous Acceleration Due to Gravity Next Stopping Distance
  • Terminal velocity is the constant downward velocity an object reaches when falling in a fluid.
  • Fluids include liquids and gases where particles can flow and move.
  • Objects moving through fluids experience drag or air resistance forces.
  • Example: A coin falling through air.
  • Initially, the coin accelerates downward due to its weight, a force caused by Earth's gravity.
  • Air resistance opposes the weight and increases as the object's speed increases.
  • The coin continues to accelerate until air resistance equals the weight, resulting in balanced forces.
  • When forces are balanced, the object stops accelerating and maintains a constant speed, known as terminal velocity.
  • Terminal velocities can be reached in any fluid, including liquids.
  • In liquids, drag forces replace air resistance and depend on the object's speed.
  • Objects reach terminal velocity faster in thicker fluids due to stronger drag forces.
  • Viscosity is the measure of a fluid's thickness and affects drag forces.
  • Example: A coin in water vs. honey shows that thicker fluids like honey result in smaller terminal velocities reached in less time.
  • Liquid-liquid comparisons are common, with thicker liquids causing objects to reach terminal velocity sooner.

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