Acceleration in terminal velocity?

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SUMMARY

At terminal velocity, the acceleration of an object is zero due to the balance of forces acting on it. Gravity exerts a constant downward acceleration, but this is exactly countered by the upward force of air resistance, resulting in no net force and thus no acceleration. The discussion clarifies that while gravity remains constant, the object's velocity stabilizes, leading to a constant velocity and zero acceleration. Misunderstandings about the nature of terminal velocity and acceleration were addressed, confirming that terminal velocity equates to a state of constant velocity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of forces: gravity and air resistance
  • Concept of terminal velocity in physics
  • Familiarity with the concept of acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in Newtonian physics
  • Explore the concept of drag force and its impact on falling objects
  • Investigate real-world applications of terminal velocity in various contexts
  • Learn about the effects of different mediums (e.g., water vs. air) on terminal velocity
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Students of physics, educators explaining dynamics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion and forces acting on falling objects.

calculator20
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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
 
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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.
 

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