Question

Which of the following is always true when an object has reached terminal velocity?

A.
The object is accelerating.
B.
The object is about to hit the ground.
C.
There are no forces acting on the object.
D.
The object is traveling at a constant velocity.

Answer 1

Do you know what terminal velocity is?

Answer 2

the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium through which it is falling prevents further acceleration.

Answer 3

Mhm. The Google definition basically says that an object is falling at a constant speed because it can't go any faster due to the air resistance.

Answer 4

We can cross out B, and C.

Terminal velocity does not refer to an objects position in relation to the ground. Additionally, forces are certainly acting on an object in terminal velocity (gravity, air resistance, which is another form of friction).

Answer 5

Do you know what the definition of acceleration is?

Answer 6

When something speeds up

Answer 7

Technically yes, so when an object is accelerating, it's velocity is changing. So an object with a velocity that has either increased or decreased, has an acceleration. If an object has no change in velocity, what must that mean?

Answer 8

It stays going the same direction and speed

Answer 9

Velocity is a vector property, which means it depends on direction. So if an object is going at the same speed, and in the same direction, what must that mean?

Answer 10

It stays the same

Answer 11

Mhm. And what answer sounds like that?

Answer 12

Answer D

Answer 13

Correct.