Question
define terminal velocity
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity an object can reach as it falls through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the force of gravity pulling the object downward is balanced by the drag force acting against it due to the fluid. At this point, the net force acting on the object is zero, and it no longer accelerates, instead falling at a constant speed.
The terminal velocity depends on several factors, including the object's mass, shape, and surface area, as well as the density of the fluid through which it is falling. For example, a skydiver in a horizontal position will have a different terminal velocity than when they are in a head-down position due to changes in surface area and drag.
The terminal velocity depends on several factors, including the object's mass, shape, and surface area, as well as the density of the fluid through which it is falling. For example, a skydiver in a horizontal position will have a different terminal velocity than when they are in a head-down position due to changes in surface area and drag.