This definitions covers Key Terms 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 6 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Terms
- Terminal velocity
- The constant (maximum) velocity reached by a falling object when the drag force equals the weight, so the resultant force is zero and there is no further acceleration.
- Drag (air resistance)
- A resistive force that acts on objects moving through a fluid (liquid or gas), opposing the direction of motion. Drag increases as speed increases.
- Resultant force
- The overall (net) force acting on an object when all individual forces are added together, taking direction into account.
- Weight
- The gravitational force acting on an object, equal to mass multiplied by gravitational field strength (W = mg). Weight acts downward towards the centre of the Earth.
- Streamlining
- Designing an object with a smooth, tapered shape to reduce drag at high speeds. Aeroplanes and racing cars are streamlined.
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
Why does terminal velocity occur?
As an object speeds up, drag increases. Eventually drag = weight, resultant force = 0, so acceleration stops (F = ma)
What is terminal velocity?
The constant velocity reached when drag force equals weight, so resultant force = 0 and acceleration stops