Question

Using the concept of forces, how can the process of a falling object reaching terminal velocity be explained?

a) The drag force increases as the object accelerates.
b) The gravitational force decreases as the object falls.
c) The net force becomes zero due to the balancing of gravitational force and air resistance.
d) The air resistance becomes negligible when the object reaches a certain height.

Answer 1

An object reaching terminal velocity is explained by the balancing of gravitational force and air resistance, resulting in a net force of zero. The drag force increases as the object accelerates, until it becomes equal to the gravitational force. At terminal velocity, the object's velocity remains constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object falls through the air, two forces are acting on it: gravity and drag force. Gravity is a constant downward force, while drag force depends on the object's velocity. As the object falls, its velocity increases, causing the drag force to also increase. Eventually, the drag force becomes equal to the gravitational force, resulting in a net force of zero. At this point, the object reaches its terminal velocity, where the velocity remains constant.