Unit 4 lesson 6: Gravity and Air Resistance
Terminal Velocity is the ____ speed that a ____ object reaches when the force due to gravity ____ the force of air resistance.
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2.
3. equals
1. ?
2. ?
3. equals
1. Terminal
2. Falling
3. Equals
Terminal Velocity is the maximum speed that a falling object reaches when the force due to gravity equals the force of air resistance.
To understand the concept of Terminal Velocity, we need to consider the forces acting on a falling object. The force due to gravity pulls the object downward, while the force of air resistance acts in the opposite direction and opposes the object's motion.
Initially, when a falling object starts moving, the force of gravity is greater than the force of air resistance, causing the object to accelerate. As the object gains speed, the force of air resistance also increases. Eventually, a point is reached where the force of air resistance becomes equal to the force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a constant velocity. This constant velocity is known as Terminal Velocity.
Terminal Velocity is different for different objects, depending on their size, shape, and mass. Objects with larger surface areas or less mass generally experience greater air resistance, resulting in a lower terminal velocity. Conversely, objects with smaller surface areas or more mass experience less air resistance and have a higher terminal velocity.
Determining the specific speed at which an object reaches terminal velocity requires calculations involving the object's mass, surface area, and the properties of the medium (in this case, air). These calculations involve equations of motion and principles of fluid dynamics.
In summary, Terminal Velocity is the maximum speed that a falling object reaches when the force due to gravity equals the force of air resistance. It depends on the object's characteristics and the properties of the medium it is falling through.
Terminal Velocity is the maximum speed that a falling object reaches when the force due to gravity equals the force of air resistance.
1. Terminal
2. Falling
3. Equals