9 4.2 Falling Objects

Front

What is terminal velocity?

Back

Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium (like air) prevents further acceleration.

Front

What factors affect terminal velocity?

Back

Terminal velocity is affected by the mass of the object, the surface area, and the density of the fluid through which it is falling (like air).

Front

What happens to a falling object in a vacuum?

Back

In a vacuum, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their mass, as there is no air resistance.

Front

How does air resistance affect falling objects?

Back

Air resistance opposes the motion of falling objects, slowing them down until they reach terminal velocity.

Front

What is the role of a parachute in skydiving?

Back

A parachute increases air resistance, which reduces the terminal velocity of the skydiver, allowing for a safer landing.

Front

What is the difference between mass and weight?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass.

Front

What is free fall?

Back

Free fall is the motion of an object falling under the influence of gravity alone, with no other forces acting on it.

Front

What is the effect of surface area on terminal velocity?

Back

Increasing the surface area of an object increases air resistance, which can lower its terminal velocity.

Front

What is the significance of air density in falling objects?

Back

Higher air density increases air resistance, which can affect the terminal velocity of falling objects.

Front

What is the relationship between acceleration and terminal velocity?

Back

When an object reaches terminal velocity, its acceleration becomes zero as the forces of gravity and air resistance balance each other.