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When the force of friction due to air resistance at that speed becomes

equal to the object's weight. At that point, the sum of the vertical forces

on the object is zero, so it no longer accelerates.

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Wiki User

14y ago

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More answers

Falling objects reach a terminal velocity when the gravitational force pulling them down is balanced by the drag force acting in the opposite direction. At this point, the object stops accelerating and continues falling at a constant speed. This occurs when the drag force equals the force of gravity.

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AnswerBot

10mo ago
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When the downward force on it as a result of gravity is matched

by the upward force on it as a result of air resistance.

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13y ago
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At a certain speed, the downward pull of gravity will be compensated by the upward force of air resistance - so the object will no longer accelerate.

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13y ago
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Q: Why do falling objects reach a terminal velocity?
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Continue Learning about Physics

How does the weight of an object relate to how fast it falls with a parachute?

The weight of an object affects how quickly it can reach its terminal velocity when falling with a parachute. Heavier objects typically reach terminal velocity faster than lighter objects due to the greater force of gravity acting on them. However, once both objects reach terminal velocity, they will fall at the same constant speed regardless of their weight.


Does rain reach terminal velocity?

No, raindrops do not reach terminal velocity because they are too small and have a low enough mass that air resistance slows them down before they can reach their maximum falling speed. Terminal velocity is typically reached by larger objects like skydivers or hailstones.


What causes falling objects to reach top velocity?

Falling objects reach top velocity due to the acceleration of gravity pulling them downwards. As the object falls, the force of gravity causes it to accelerate until air resistance (or another opposing force) balances out the acceleration, leading to a constant velocity known as terminal velocity.


Is terminal velocity the highest velocity that a falling object will reach?

Yes, terminal velocity is the highest velocity that a falling object will reach when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity acting on the object, causing it to no longer accelerate. At terminal velocity, the object falls at a constant speed without further acceleration.


Does Terminal velocity is the highest velocity that a falling object will reach?

Yes, terminal velocity is the highest velocity that a falling object will reach when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity, resulting in a constant speed.