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Extra TopicsHigh Exam FrequencyAQA

Terminal Velocity

Revise Terminal Velocity in Extra Topics for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. This is a high-frequency exam topic, so students should expect to explain it clearly under timed conditions.

Study this topic

1

Why Skydivers Don't Keep Getting Faster

Introduction2

The Forces on a Falling Object — Step by Step

Deep Dive3

Velocity-Time Graphs for Falling Objects

Deep Dive4

Why Drag Increases with Speed

How It Works5

Comparing Terminal Velocities

Comparison6

Key Terms

Definitions7

Key Facts

Key Facts8

Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions9

Memory Aids

Memory Aid10

Higher Tier: Quantitative Analysis of Terminal Velocity

Higher Tier11

Exam Focus — Terminal Velocity

Exam Focus12

Exam Tips for Terminal Velocity

Exam Tips13

Topic Summary: Terminal Velocity

Summary

Sample Flashcards

What is terminal velocity?
The constant velocity reached when drag force equals weight, so resultant force = 0 and acceleration stops
Why does terminal velocity occur?
As an object speeds up, drag increases. Eventually drag = weight, resultant force = 0, so acceleration stops (F = ma)

Sample Questions

An object reaches terminal velocity when falling through air. Which statement correctly describes the forces at terminal velocity?

  • A. Weight is greater than drag force
  • B. Drag force is greater than weight
  • C. Weight equals drag force
  • D. There are no forces acting on the object
1 markfoundation

Explain how a skydiver reaches terminal velocity after jumping from a plane. Include changes to forces and acceleration in your answer.

3 marksstandard

13

exam-style questions

11

revision flashcards

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