I/GCSE Physics - Terminal Velocity

Mass and Weight🤨

• Mass is the amount of matter in an object and it is measured in kilograms (kg).
• Weight is the force of gravity on an object and it is measured in newtons (n).
• On Earth, every kilogram of mass is pulled down with a force of 10 N.

weight (n) = mass (kg) x gravitational field strength (n/kg)

w = m x g

Terminal Velocity😆

• the force of gravity on a large mass is greater than on a small mass but the large mass also needs a greater force to accelerate it.
• the two effects cancel out, and so all masses fall at the same rate in a vacuum.
• this acceleration due to gravity is 10m/s/s on the Earth.

Example of a skydiver...This is a common example given in I/GCSE Physics🪂

1. Just after jumping: the skydiver's velocity and air resistance are both very small. The resultant force present is weight and his acceleration is 10m/s/s.
2. 5 seconds later: the skydiver's velocity is greater and his air resistance is about half of weight. The resultant force is weight - air resistance.
3. About 12 seconds after jumping: the skydiver's velocity is at maximum or terminal velocity and his air resistance is equal to weight. The resultant force is 0 N and his acceleration is 0 m/s/s.

Reference: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/terminal-velocity-vector-illustration-labeled-falling-speed-explanation-terminal-velocity-vector-illustration-labeled-falling-165133631.jpg

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Drafted by Catrina (Physics)