Terminal velocity is the maximum constant speed an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water, under gravity. When an object falls, it accelerates due to gravity. However, as it gains speed, the resistance from the fluid (air or water) increases, eventually reaching a point where the upward drag force balances out the downward force of gravity. At this point, the net force on the object becomes zero, and it stops accelerating. This results in a constant velocity known as terminal velocity.
The terminal velocity of an object depends on several factors, including its mass, size, shape, and the density of the fluid through which it is falling. For example, a more massive or larger object generally has a higher terminal velocity than a smaller one. This is due to its ability to overcome fluid resistance more effectively.
Terminal velocity is crucial in various fields, including physics, engineering, and skydiving. It helps predict the speed at which objects will fall through a fluid and provides insights into the forces involved in such scenarios.