Question

"Describe how an object is falling when it reaches terminal velocity. Name the two specific forces acting on the object. Describe how the two forces compare in size to each other."

Answer 1

When an object reaches terminal velocity while falling, the two specific forces acting on it are gravity and the drag force. At terminal velocity, the magnitude of the drag force is equal to the magnitude of the gravitational force.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an object reaches terminal velocity while falling, it means that the object is falling at a constant velocity and there is no net force acting on it. At this point, the magnitude of the drag force is equal to the magnitude of the gravitational force. The two specific forces acting on the object are gravity and the drag force. Gravity is the force pulling the object downward, while the drag force is the force exerted on the object by the surrounding fluid (e.g., air or water) as it falls through it. The drag force increases as the object's velocity increases. However, at terminal velocity, the drag force reaches its maximum value and is equal to the gravitational force. This balance of forces results in a net force of zero, causing the object to fall at a constant velocity.