Answers to AQA GCSE Terminal Velocity

Answers to AQA GCSE Terminal velocity

Practice Question

1. Define the term terminal velocity

Terminal velocity is achieved when an object has a constant speed in one direction and the forces acting on the object are balanced.

2. Explain what is meant by resultant force

Resultant force is the overall force. It can also be a single force that takes account of all the forces acting on an object. 

3. When an object is dropped in a fluid, why does it accelerate downwards?

Force of gravity acts of the object, making it accelerate downwards.

4. Using the velocity time graph shown above, predict the appearance of the next stage in the graph, when the ball hits the ground. You can sketch your predicted graph on a piece of paper

Velocity time graph

When the ball hits the ground, the velocity will become 0m/s. So, the line will go vertically downwards

5. Use the image below to answer the following question

car image for terminal velocity
Velocity time graph for a ball falling through the air and reaching terminal velocity.

5a. Describe and explain how force 1 and 2 will change as time increases using the graph above.

You can reference these changes to stage A and B which are labelled on the graph.

Include key words such as acceleration and velocity in your answer. 

Force 1 = Engine or driving force

Force 2 = Drag forces

A- Force 1>force 2, so car accelerates forwards and velocity increases. However, as velocity increases, force 2 will increase and therefore acceleration will decrease, which is why the gradient of the velocity time graph decreases. 

B- Force 1 = force 2, so acceleration is zero and the car is at terminal velocity. 

Accordion Content

Accordion Content

Accordion Content