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  • Understanding Terminal Velocity: When Falling Objects Reach a Constant Speed
    You're absolutely right! When the air resistance force acting on a falling object equals its weight, the object has reached terminal velocity.

    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!

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