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Terminal Velocity | GCSE Science Revision

Resultant Force

  • the overall force acting on an object
  • (sum of all forces combined)

Newton's First Law

  • if there is a resultant force, an object will accelerate or decelerate
  • if there is no resultant force, an object will
    • remain stationary, or
    • continue at a constant speed

Skydiver reaching terminal velocity

  • first, their weight is bigger than the upward resistance force.
  • this causes them to accelerate downwards.
  • then, the resistance increases (they are hitting the wind faster)
  • eventually, weight = resistance.
  • this causes them to fall at a constant speed.

Car reaching terminal velocity

  • first, driving force is bigger than the resistance force.
  • this causes the car to accelerate forwards.
  • then, the resistance force increases
  • eventually, driving force = resistance force
  • this causes the car to continue at a constant speed.