The greatest velocity a falling object reaches is called its what?

terminal velocity.

The greatest velocity a falling object reaches is called its terminal velocity. To understand why, we need to first explain a concept known as air resistance or drag.

When an object falls through the atmosphere, it experiences a force called air resistance in the opposite direction of its motion. Initially, as the object falls, the force of gravity causes it to accelerate. However, as the object gains velocity, air resistance also increases. Eventually, a point is reached where the force of air resistance becomes equal to the force of gravity pulling the object downwards.

At this point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a constant velocity. This constant velocity is known as the terminal velocity. The terminal velocity depends on several factors, including the object's shape, size, and weight, as well as the density of the air through which it is falling.

To calculate the terminal velocity of a falling object, one needs to consider complex physics equations involving the object's mass, shape, and the properties of the surrounding medium (such as air or water). These calculations can be quite involved and require knowledge of fluid dynamics and classical mechanics.

In practice, experimental measurements or computer simulations are often used to determine the terminal velocity of objects falling through specific mediums.

velocity parallel to earths surface