2007-02-19 08:52:41 · 3 answers · asked by KnowItAll 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I read a couple of the answers and they are roughly right, but the better answer is that objects have terminal velocities because the air resistance forces on them are a function of velocity. If the other forces on the object, be it gravity or a rocket thrust, or some combination, are constant, or at least not velocity dependent, then the object will reach a speed that is high enough so that the air resistance just equals the sum of the other forces on the object.
2007-02-19 09:10:26 · answer #1 · answered by ppgpca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they are in free fall in an atmosphere, it means that the force of the pull of gravity is equal to the drag (wind resistance) and the object can't speed up any more.
2007-02-19 16:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because the speed that they have free falling is dependent on the Earth's gravity....so since that doesn't change......the object in a free fall will reach maximum amount of speed that is dependent on it's mass, weight, and aerodynamics.....as I understand it.
2007-02-19 17:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋