Moderate

All of the following are the factors of which terminal velocity of a falling object depends EXCEPT

Correct answer: B. Velocity of the object

  • A. Mass of the object
  • B. Velocity of the object
  • C. Cross-sectional area of the object
  • D. Gravitational acceleration of the object

Explanation

The correct answer is velocity of the object because terminal velocity is a specific constant speed achieved when the forces of gravity and drag are balanced. Thus, it is not dependent on the velocity itself, but rather is the velocity achieved when these forces balance. The mass of the object, cross-sectional area, and gravitational acceleration all influence the forces acting on the object, and hence, the terminal velocity, but not the velocity itself.

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About Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached when gravitational force is balanced by fluid resistance. The topic covers drag, buoyant force, the conditions for zero acceleration, and how viscosity, object size, shape and density affect the limiting speed, with a distinction between free fall before and after terminal velocity.

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