When an object attains terminal velocity, its acceleration is:
Correct answer: B. Zero
- A. 9.8 m/s2 upward
- B. Zero
- C. 1 m/s2
- D. 9.8 m/s2 downward
Explanation
At terminal velocity the upward drag and upthrust exactly balance the weight, so the resultant force is zero and by Newton's second law the acceleration is zero, even though the body continues to fall at a steady speed. What has vanished is the resultant force, not any individual one. This is why a raindrop reaches the ground at a survivable speed.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2025 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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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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