Terminal Velocity Flashcards
What happens to an object’s motion if there is no force propelling it along?
it will slow down and stop due to friction (except in space where there’s nothing to rub against).
In what direction does friction act in relation to an object’s movement?
in the opposite direction to movement.
What condition is necessary for an object to travel at a steady speed?
the driving force needs to balance the frictional forces.
How can friction between surfaces be reduced?
Using a lubricant
What is drag?
-the resistance experienced by an object moving through a fluid, such as air or water
-Air resistance is a type of drag
What is the most important factor in reducing drag?
maintaining the shape of the object
What is meant by streamlining?
Streamlining refers to designing an object to allow fluid to flow easily across it, thereby reducing drag.
How do frictional forces from fluids change with speed?
-Frictional forces from fluids increase with speed.
-e.g. a car experiences much more frictional force when traveling at 70 mph compared to 30 mph, requiring the engine to work harder to maintain a steady speed.
What is the force of gravity like compared to friction as a falling object initially sets off?
the force of gravity is much greater than the frictional force slowing it down, so it accelerates
What happens to the frictional force as the speed of the falling object increases?
As the speed of the falling object increases, the frictional force also increases
When does the acceleration of a falling object decrease?
when the frictional force becomes equal to the accelerating force, resulting in a zero resultant force.
What is terminal velocity?
the maximum speed reached by a falling object when the frictional force is equal to the accelerating force, causing the object to fall at a steady speed.
What factors does terminal velocity depend on?
the shape and area of an object.
How does the shape of an object affect its terminal velocity?
the less streamlined an object is, the lower its terminal velocity.
What happens to the terminal velocity of an object with a larger surface area?
Objects with larger surface areas tend to have lower terminal velocities because they experience more air resistance
