PrepWisePrepWiseTerminal Velocity
Extra TopicsDeep Dive

Velocity-Time Graphs for Falling Objects

Part of Terminal Velocity · GCSE GCSE Physics revision

This deep dive covers Velocity-Time Graphs for Falling Objects 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 3 of 13 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 13

Practice

13 questions

Recall

11 flashcards

💪 Velocity-Time Graphs for Falling Objects

Studio Render velocity-time graph on dark backdrop. Amber plotted line with three phases: A (0-10s, acceleration from 0 to 20 m/s), B (10-20s, constant velocity at 20 m/s), C (20-30s, deceleration from 20 m/s to 0). Cyan shaded area under graph labelled 'distance = area under graph'. Cyan axes with gridlines. Legend: gradient = acceleration, area = distance.

Figure 2: Velocity-time graph for a skydiver — note the changing gradient and the effect of opening the parachute

The gradient (slope) of a velocity-time graph tells you the acceleration at any point.

  • Steep positive gradient at the start — large resultant force, large acceleration (about 10 m/s²)
  • Decreasing gradient — drag is increasing, resultant force decreasing, acceleration decreasing
  • Zero gradient (horizontal line) — terminal velocity reached, resultant force = 0, acceleration = 0
  • Negative gradient after parachute opens — drag suddenly much greater than weight, so deceleration occurs
  • New horizontal line at lower speed — new (lower) terminal velocity with parachute open

The area under a velocity-time graph gives the distance travelled. This is useful for calculating how far a skydiver has fallen at any point.

Quick Check: A skydiver is falling at a constant velocity of 55 m/s. What is the resultant force acting on them?

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Terminal Velocity. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

The Forces on a Falling Object — Step by StepWhy Drag Increases with SpeedWhy Skydivers Don't Keep Getting FasterComparing Terminal Velocities

Practice Questions for Terminal Velocity

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

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)

13 questions on Terminal Velocity — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 11 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

Try PrepWise Free

Previous

The Forces on a Falling Object — Step by Step

Next

Why Drag Increases with Speed