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Force/Lesson on Force: Difference between revisions
From OER in Education
→Falling Object
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== Falling Object == | == Falling Object == | ||
In the first instance, the object is stationary, held in place – with gravity being the only other force acting on it. As it released, the sudden massive imbalance of forces causes the object to accelerate towards the ground. | |||
As it starts to move, it pushes through the air causing air resistance which acts in an opposing direction to the gravity. In the early stage of the descent, the forces are still somewhat unbalanced and while the object does continue to accelerate towards the ground – it does so at a slower rate of acceleration at the start of the fall. | |||
As the object gets faster, air resistance continues to increase, gradually reducing the rate of acceleration until it comes to the point where the upward force of air resistance is the same as the downward force of gravity. At this point the forces are balanced and the object ceases to accelerate. It continues to fall at the velocity (speed) it was travelling when balance point was reached. This is known as the TERMINAL VELOCITY. | |||
== Self-Assessment: Aeroplane == | == Self-Assessment: Aeroplane == | ||
