Here's why:
* Gravity: As an object falls, gravity pulls it downwards, increasing its speed.
* Air Resistance: As the object falls faster, air resistance (also called drag) increases. Air resistance is the force that opposes the object's motion through the air.
* Balance: Eventually, the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and falls at a constant speed, which is its terminal velocity.
Terminal velocity depends on factors like:
* Object's shape and mass: A more streamlined object (like a bullet) will have a higher terminal velocity than a less streamlined object (like a parachute). A heavier object will also have a higher terminal velocity.
* Air density: Terminal velocity will be lower in thinner air (like at high altitudes) than in denser air (like at sea level).
