Here's why:
* Gravity: The acorn is pulled down by gravity, accelerating it towards the ground.
* Air Resistance: As the acorn falls faster, it encounters more air resistance, which acts as a force opposing its motion.
* Terminal Velocity: Terminal velocity is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches when the force of gravity pulling it down equals the force of air resistance pushing it up. At this point, the object stops accelerating.
Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity:
* Shape: An acorn's shape (its streamlined or bumpy surface) affects how much air resistance it encounters.
* Weight: A heavier acorn will have a higher terminal velocity.
* Air Density: Air density (which changes with altitude and temperature) influences air resistance.
Important Note: The terminal velocity of an acorn is relatively low compared to, say, a skydiver. This is because it's small and has a relatively high surface area for its weight, leading to significant air resistance.
