Question

A falling object has just reached terminal velocity. Which of the following statements are true of the object?

A. The object has stopped moving.
B. The velocity of the object is 0 m/s.
C. The acceleration of the object is 0 m/s²
D. None of these statements are true of an object at terminal velocity.

Answer 1

At terminal velocity, an object is still in motion but its velocity and acceleration are both 0.

Step-by-step explanation:

At terminal velocity, the object has not stopped moving; it is still in motion. However, the velocity of the object is constant and equal to the terminal velocity, which is typically reached when the force of gravity on the object is balanced by the force of air resistance. Therefore, option B is true: the velocity of the object is 0 m/s. Option C is also true: the acceleration of the object is 0 m/s². At terminal velocity, the object is no longer accelerating because the air resistance on the object is equal to the force of gravity pulling it downwards.

Therefore, the correct answer is B and C: The velocity of the object is 0 m/s, and the acceleration of the object is 0 m/s².