Terminal speed, also known as terminal velocity, is the maximum velocity that a projectile can reach in free fall under the influence of both gravity and air resistance. It occurs when the downward force of gravity is equal to the upward force of air resistance, resulting in a net force of zero and a constant velocity.
Air resistance, also known as drag, is a force that opposes the motion of an object through the air. As an object falls, air resistance increases until it matches the force of gravity, causing the object to reach its terminal speed. The greater the air resistance, the lower the terminal speed will be.
The terminal speed in projectile motion is affected by several factors, including the mass and shape of the object, the density and viscosity of the air, and the presence of other forces such as lift or thrust. These factors can all impact the amount of air resistance experienced by the object and therefore affect its terminal speed.
The terminal speed in projectile motion can be calculated using the equation: Vt = √(2mg/cDρA), where Vt is the terminal speed, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, cD is the drag coefficient, ρ is the density of air, and A is the cross-sectional area of the object.
Terminal speed is the maximum velocity that an object can reach in free fall, while free fall acceleration is the rate at which an object falls due to the force of gravity. Terminal speed occurs when the two opposing forces of gravity and air resistance are equal, resulting in a constant velocity, while free fall acceleration is an increasing velocity due to the unbalanced force of gravity.