Terminal Velocity - Physics Notes

Last Update: July, 25, 2024 ## BIG IDEAS - The shape and surface area of an object significantly affect its terminal velocity. - The mass of an object influences its terminal velocity. ### Definition Terminal velocity is reached when the force of gravity acting on a falling object is balanced by the drag force (air resistance) acting in the opposite direction. At this point, the net force on the object is zero, and it stops accelerating. ### Key Equation $mg \ = \ F_{d} \quad \text{where} \quad F_{d} \ = \ \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 C_{d} A \tag{1}$ where, $m$ is the mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, $F_d$ is the drag force, ρ is the air density, $v$ is the velocity, $C_d$ is the drag coefficient, and $A$ is the cross-sectional area. ### Influence of Mass Rearrange equation 1 to derive equation 2 $v_{t} \ ∝ \ \sqrt{\frac{mg}{ρC_{d}A} } \tag{2}$ The terminal velocity increases with the square root of the mass $m$. ### Related Topics --- [[Home|Home]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/Uniform Acceleration Motion/Constant Acceleration|Constant Acceleration]] | [[Kinematic Equations]] | [[Notes Vault/Physics Notes Vault/Kinematics/Uniform Acceleration Motion/Free Fall|Free Fall]] | [[Gravitational Acceleration]] | [[Terminal Velocity]] | [[Air resistance|Air Resistance]]