Representing Terminal Velocity (AQA GCSE Physics)

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Representing Terminal Velocity

  • A velocity-time graph can show how the velocity of an object changes in time as it reaches terminal velocity

  • There are characteristic features of all terminal velocity graphs:

    • The gradient (or slope) of a velocity-time graph represents the acceleration of the object

    • On any terminal velocity graph, the gradient (acceleration) will decrease from being very large down to zero

    • Sometimes the gradient is negative (i.e. showing deceleration, or slowing down)

Debbie opens parachute, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Debbie the skydiver experiences a large deceleration (her speed decreases suddenly) as soon as she opens her parachute, because of a large resultant force upwards

  • The image above shows a skydiver slowing down, due to the large upwards resultant force acting on her

    • At this moment in time, the air resistance is larger than the skydiver's weight (due to the parachute's huge surface area)

    • This results in a large unbalanced force upwards, decelerating the skydiver's descent

  • The graph below summarises how a skydiver's velocity changes up to and following the point of opening a parachute:

V-T graph for Terminal Velocity, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

Graph showing how the velocity of a skydiver changes during descent

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

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Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.

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