Terminal velocity is the maximum speed that an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water. When the force of gravity is balanced by the force of air resistance, the object will no longer accelerate and will maintain a constant velocity.
Terminal velocity can be calculated using the equation Vt = √(2mg/ρAC), where Vt is terminal velocity, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the object, and C is the drag coefficient.
The factors that affect terminal velocity include the mass and shape of the object, the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the gravitational force. Objects with larger mass and surface area experience greater air resistance and therefore have a lower terminal velocity. Additionally, denser fluids and higher gravitational forces also lead to higher terminal velocities.
As altitude increases, the air density decreases. This results in a decrease in the force of air resistance and a subsequent increase in terminal velocity. However, the effect of altitude on terminal velocity is relatively small and may not be noticeable in everyday situations.
No, terminal velocity is the maximum speed that an object can reach when falling through a fluid. If external forces, such as a parachute or propulsion, are applied to the object, then the terminal velocity may be exceeded. However, in a free-fall situation, terminal velocity cannot be exceeded.