Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the constant speed that an object reaches when falling through a fluid, such as air, after initial acceleration. Initially, gravity pulls the object downward, causing it to speed up, but as it accelerates, air resistance (drag) increases. Eventually, the upward force of air resistance balances the downward force of gravity, resulting in zero net force and no further acceleration. At this point, the object continues falling at a steady, maximum speed called terminal velocity. This speed depends on factors like the object's size, shape, mass, and the density of the fluid through which it falls.