This key facts covers Key Facts 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 7 of 13 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📋 Key Facts
- Terminal velocity occurs when drag = weight (resultant force = 0)
- At terminal velocity, acceleration = 0 — but the object is still moving
- The gradient of a v-t graph equals acceleration; zero gradient = terminal velocity
- The area under a v-t graph equals distance travelled
- Larger surface area → more drag at same speed → lower terminal velocity
- Greater weight → needs more drag to balance → higher terminal velocity
- More streamlined shape → less drag → higher terminal velocity
- Drag is approximately proportional to speed squared — doubling speed roughly quadruples drag
- Transformers can only step voltage up/down for alternating current (AC), not DC
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)