| Object | Approximate terminal velocity | Key reason |
|---|---|---|
| Skydiver (no parachute) | ~55 m/s (120 mph) | Relatively streamlined body position |
| Skydiver (parachute open) | ~5 m/s (11 mph) | Huge surface area of canopy |
| Feather | ~0.5 m/s | Very light — tiny weight to overcome drag |
| Steel ball bearing | Very high (in air) | Heavy, dense, small surface area |
This comparison covers Comparing Terminal Velocities within Terminal Velocity for GCSE Physics. Revise Terminal Velocity in Extra Topics for GCSE Physics with 13 exam-style questions and 11 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 5 of 13 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Terminal Velocity
An object reaches terminal velocity when falling through air. Which statement correctly describes the forces at terminal velocity?
Explain how a skydiver reaches terminal velocity after jumping from a plane. Include changes to forces and acceleration in your answer.
Quick recall 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)