* Initial Acceleration: When the object starts falling, gravity pulls it down, causing it to accelerate.
* Air Resistance Builds: As the object's speed increases, the air resistance (drag force) also increases. This force acts in the opposite direction of motion.
* Reaching Terminal Velocity: Eventually, the air resistance becomes equal in magnitude to the force of gravity. At this point, the net force on the object is zero, and it stops accelerating. This constant speed is called terminal velocity.
In summary:
* Early Stages: Object accelerates due to gravity.
* Mid Stages: Object continues to accelerate but at a slower rate as air resistance increases.
* Final Stage: Object reaches terminal velocity and falls at a constant speed.