* Air Resistance: A feather, unlike a heavier object, experiences a lot of air resistance. This is because its large surface area relative to its weight means it interacts strongly with the air.
* Constant Velocity: Constant velocity means both constant speed and constant direction.
* The Role of Gravity: Gravity acts on all objects, pulling them downwards.
So, here's the breakdown:
* In a vacuum: If there were no air, a feather would accelerate downwards due to gravity just like any other object. It would *not* maintain constant velocity.
* In the air: With air resistance, a feather will initially accelerate downwards, but the air resistance force will increase until it balances out the force of gravity. At this point, the feather will reach a constant velocity called terminal velocity.
Therefore, the answer is:
* A feather in a vacuum will NOT maintain constant velocity.
* A feather in air WILL maintain constant velocity (terminal velocity) once air resistance balances out gravity.
