* The object stops accelerating. The force of gravity pulling the object down is exactly balanced by the force of air resistance pushing it up. Since the net force is zero, the object no longer accelerates.
* The object continues falling at a constant speed. Because there is no acceleration, the object's downward velocity remains constant. This is why it's called "terminal" velocity – the object's speed has reached its final, steady state.
* The object's speed depends on its shape, size, and mass. A heavier object will generally have a higher terminal velocity than a lighter object, but the shape and size are also crucial factors. For example, a parachute dramatically increases air resistance and reduces terminal velocity.
Here's a simplified explanation:
Imagine a feather and a rock falling. Initially, the rock falls faster because it's heavier. However, as the rock falls faster, it encounters more air resistance. Eventually, the air resistance force becomes equal to the force of gravity pulling the rock down. At this point, the rock stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed, its terminal velocity. The feather, being lighter and having a larger surface area, reaches terminal velocity at a much slower speed.
In summary, reaching terminal velocity in free fall means:
* No more acceleration.
* Constant downward speed.
* Speed determined by the object's properties.
