Terminal velocity is definitively reached by a falling object when its speed becomes constant, contrary to the belief that it is only approached asymptotically. The term "terminal" signifies a final value, not an asymptote. Factors such as the orientation of the falling object can influence the terminal velocity, but in an ideal scenario with no air currents and a stable object, such as a parachute, it will achieve and maintain this velocity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the definition and conditions surrounding terminal velocity.
PREREQUISITESThis discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in the principles of motion and forces, particularly in relation to falling objects and terminal velocity.
I see we disagree. I think you need to check the definition.DaveC426913 said:You are correct.
Moreso, it is not even a fixed target, since it's dependent on many changing factors, such as orientation of the falling object.
And thus I have edited my response to account for that. :)phinds said:I see we disagree.
I think you're looking at it simplistically. Terminal velocity can't even be well-defined, since it's not stable.phinds said:I think you need to check the definition.
It would approach a value and then wander up and down around as the orientation of the falling object changed from moment to moment.Peter Frame said:But if you graphed the velocity, it would curve to horizontal. Either midway along this curve it would suddenly flat line, or it would approach a number but never quite get there.
Yes, I keep telling you, I am VERY simple-minded ;)DaveC426913 said:I think you're looking at it simplistically. Terminal velocity can't even be well-defined, since it's not stable.
I agree.DaveC426913 said:It would approach a value and then wander up and down around as the orientation of the falling object changed from moment to moment.
No, in an ideal situation, it would reach it and stay there instead of reaching it and then, as Dave says, wobbling around a bit faster and a bit slower.Peter Frame said:So your saying that in a perfect experiment with no air current, and no wobbling object, it would approach it? This is what makes a lot of scene to me.
Peter Frame said:So your saying that in a perfect experiment with no air current, and no wobbling object, it would approach it? This is what makes a lot of scene to me.
Are you getting old? Your text is starting to turn grey...DaveC426913 said:[EDIT Sorry, I did not see that you said an ideal experiment.]
Yes, so, to do so, you use an object that is stable under descent. Such as, say, a parachute.
A parachute, assuming its oscillation is kept down, reaches its terminal velocity quite quickly, and then its velocity will stick very close to that thereafter.