Terminal Velocity
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity is the constant velocity approached when drag and any other opposing forces balance the driving force. For vertical falling with negligible buoyancy, drag balances weight.
- Related Glossary Terms
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Terminal speed is a limiting equilibrium speed; an object can initially move faster than it. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 3 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Terminal speed
Terminal speed is a constant speed reached when the forces along the direction of motion balance. For a falling object in fluid, increasing drag can eventually balance weight after buoyancy is also accounted for. For example, a falling raindrop can reach approximately constant downward velocity instead of accelerating indefinitely.
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Drag
Drag is a force from a fluid that opposes an object’s motion relative to that fluid. Its dependence on speed, shape, and fluid properties varies with the physical regime. For example, a parachute increases air drag by presenting a large area to the moving air.
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Velocity
Velocity describes how position changes with time and includes direction. Instantaneous velocity describes one moment, while average velocity is displacement divided by elapsed time. For example, a car turning a corner can change velocity while maintaining the same speed.