Question

If an object falls far enough, it will reach terminal velocity. At this velocity, the force of air

resistance is equal to the force of gravity on the object. The forces on the falling object are
balanced. What will happen to the object and why?

Answer 1

The object will contine to fall, but at a constant velocity. There will be no more acceleration.

Explanation: When the force of gravity is equal to the reverse force of air resistance, there will will be no net force on the falling obect. F = ma, and F (net) = 0. It will continue at the same speed until those forces become imbalanced again (such as when the force pushing up from the ground is greater than the force of gravity pulling it down). The metric term for this sudden resistance is "crash/bang/clunk/yieouch."