Acceleration in terminal velocity?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of terminal velocity, specifically addressing whether acceleration is zero when an object reaches this state. Participants explore the implications of constant velocity and the forces acting on the object, including gravity and air resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that acceleration is zero at terminal velocity, as the resultant force is zero, meaning gravity is balanced by air resistance.
  • Another participant challenges this view, suggesting that while gravity remains constant, the concept of terminal velocity implies constant velocity, which they interpret as constant acceleration.
  • Further replies emphasize that constant velocity indicates zero acceleration, reinforcing the idea that acceleration is indeed zero at terminal velocity.
  • Some participants express confusion about the responses received, questioning the clarity of the explanations provided regarding the relationship between acceleration and terminal velocity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the interpretation of acceleration at terminal velocity. Some maintain that acceleration is zero, while others question this conclusion, leading to an unresolved discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the balance of forces and the definitions of acceleration and velocity, but the discussion does not resolve the differing interpretations of these concepts.

calculator20
Messages
47
Reaction score
0
I've just read somewhere that acceleration is zero when an object is at terminal velocity? I think it's wrong but wanted to check if I'm right?

Yes the resultant force is zero but gravity doesn't disappear so presumably acceleration due to gravity is constant? Terminal velocity means constant velocity and therefore constant acceleration?

Using F=ma to make F cancel upwards and downwards if mass is constant then does this mean the deceleration caused by air resistance equals acceleration due to gravity?

Many thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No, you are wrong. The resultant force is zero and therefore acceleration is zero. If this was not the case the velocity would change and therefore not be terminal.

Yes there is acceleration from gravity, but it is exactly canceled by the acceleration from air resistance. Constant velocity means zero acceleration.
 
calculator20 said:
Terminal velocity means constant velocity and therefore constant acceleration?
Yes, constant acceleration of zero.
 
Ok yes understood. That aside is acceleration zero for terminal velocity? I don't think it is?
 
calculator20 said:
Ok yes understood. That aside is acceleration zero for terminal velocity? I don't think it is?

Did you read and understood the replies you received in Msg. #2 and #3? I don't know if you can get a clearer and more definitive answer that what you had already received. If you didn't understand even something as direct as those, what could someone else saying the same thing be any different?

Zz.
 
Ok thanks for your help
 
No they hadn't appeared when I responded, not sure your abrupt response was entirely necessary!
 
calculator20 said:
they hadn't appeared when I responded

If posts #2 and #3 hadn't appeared when you responded in post #4, what exactly were you responding to?

That aside, do you still have questions about why acceleration is zero at terminal velocity?
 
calculator20 said:
your abrupt response was entirely necessary!
Not really.

EDIT -- Actually, that is a funny typo you made! :smile:
 
Last edited:
  • #10
calculator20 said:
That aside is acceleration zero for terminal velocity? I don't think it is?
Why do (or did) you think it isn't? Then people can address that, if necessary.
 

Similar threads

High School Zero acceleration = zero net force?
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
High School Does acceleration affect impact energy vs constant velocity?
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
4K
High School How Does Constant Power Affect Rocket Acceleration in Space?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
High School Acceleration regards F=ma
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
High School Do Objects in Free Fall Encounter Air Resistance?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
High School Understanding Average Velocity in Linear Motion with Constant Acceleration
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Problems with modelling the vertical motion of a dust particle
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Question Regarding Force Being Equal, Even Moving Upwards (if V=0)?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Terminal velocity and acceleration
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
High School Fundamental Problems With Exam Question: Moving Truck & Acceleration
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K