Here's why:
* Gravity: This is the force pulling the object downwards towards the Earth.
* Air Resistance: This is the force acting opposite to the direction of motion due to friction with the air.
Net Force = Force of Gravity - Force of Air Resistance
The net force determines the object's acceleration. If the net force is positive, the object accelerates downwards. If the net force is negative, the object decelerates or slows down. If the net force is zero, the object moves at a constant velocity (terminal velocity).
Example:
Imagine a skydiver jumping out of a plane. Initially, the force of gravity is much greater than air resistance, so the skydiver accelerates downwards. As the skydiver's speed increases, air resistance increases until it eventually equals the force of gravity. At this point, the net force is zero, and the skydiver reaches terminal velocity.
