Here's why:
* Gravity: Earth's gravity constantly pulls objects towards it, causing them to accelerate downwards.
* Air Resistance: As an object falls, it encounters air resistance (also known as drag). This force opposes the object's motion and increases as the object's speed increases.
* Terminal Velocity: At a certain speed, the force of air resistance becomes equal and opposite to the force of gravity. At this point, the net force on the object is zero, and it stops accelerating. This speed is called terminal velocity.
Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity:
* Object's Shape: A more streamlined object experiences less air resistance and will have a higher terminal velocity.
* Object's Mass: A heavier object will have a higher terminal velocity.
* Air Density: Thicker air (at lower altitudes) creates more resistance, resulting in a lower terminal velocity.
Important Note: Terminal velocity is not a constant speed. It can change depending on the factors mentioned above.
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of these concepts!
