Here's why:
* Free Fall: An object in free fall experiences only the force of gravity, pulling it downwards.
* Air Resistance: As an object falls through the air, it encounters resistance from the air molecules. This force increases as the object's speed increases.
* Terminal Velocity: When the air resistance force becomes equal in magnitude to the force of gravity (the object's weight), the forces balance out. The object stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed called terminal velocity.
Important Note: Terminal velocity is not a fixed value for a given object. It depends on factors like:
* Object's shape: A more streamlined object experiences less air resistance.
* Object's mass: A heavier object has a greater force of gravity acting on it, leading to a higher terminal velocity.
* Air density: Terminal velocity is lower in thinner air (like at high altitudes).
Let me know if you have any more questions about free fall or terminal velocity!