What is Terminal Velocity?
Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium through which it is falling equals the force of gravity pulling it down. This means that the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a constant speed.
Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity
- Object’s mass: Heavier objects will reach terminal velocity faster than lighter objects.
- Surface area: Objects with a larger surface area experience more air resistance and reach terminal velocity slower than objects with a smaller surface area.
- Medium through which the object is falling: The density and viscosity of the medium affect how quickly an object reaches terminal velocity.
Examples of Terminal Velocity
An example of terminal velocity is a skydiver falling through the air. Initially, the skydiver accelerates due to gravity, but as air resistance increases with speed, it eventually reaches a point where the force of gravity is balanced by air resistance, and the skydiver falls at a constant speed – the terminal velocity.
Case Study: Skydiving
In a study of skydivers, it was found that the average terminal velocity for a skydiver in free fall is around 120 mph (193 km/h). Factors such as body position and altitude can affect the terminal velocity reached by a skydiver.
Importance of Terminal Velocity
Understanding terminal velocity is crucial for activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and designing parachutes. It helps in predicting how fast an object will fall and ensuring safety measures are in place.
