: Objects with a large surface area (like an open parachute) experience more drag and reach a much lower terminal velocity.
You can calculate terminal velocity using the following equation provided by Science Buddies : Terminal Velocity
is the highest speed a falling object can reach as it moves through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the downward force of gravity is perfectly balanced by the upward resistance of the fluid, known as drag . At this precise point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a steady, constant speed. The Physics of Falling : Objects with a large surface area (like
When an object starts to fall, gravity is the dominant force, causing it to speed up rapidly. However, as its speed increases, it collides with more air particles, which creates an opposing upward force called air resistance or drag. : Initially, gravity ( Fgcap F sub g ) is much stronger than drag ( Fdcap F sub d ), so the object accelerates downward. At this precise point, the object stops accelerating
, the net force is zero, and according to Newton’s Laws, the object maintains a constant Terminal Velocity . The Mathematical Formula
: Heavier objects require more drag to balance their weight, meaning they must fall faster to reach their terminal speed.
