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Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?

  • a)
    It is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fall

  • b)
    It is directly proportional to the mass of the object

  • c)
    It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the object

  • d)
    It is the velocity at which an object starts accelerating

Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It...
Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity that an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the force of gravity pulling the object downwards is equal to the force of air resistance pushing against it. At terminal velocity, the net force on the object becomes zero, resulting in a constant velocity.

Statement and Explanation

The correct statement about terminal velocity is option 'C': It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the object. This means that the force of air resistance acting on the object is equal in magnitude to the force of gravity pulling it downwards.

Explanation of the Correct Statement

1. Terminal velocity and Air Resistance: Terminal velocity is determined by the balance between the force of gravity and the force of air resistance. As an object falls through a fluid, such as air, it experiences a resistance force due to air molecules colliding with it. This force of air resistance increases with the speed of the object.
2. Weight of the Object: The weight of an object is the force of gravity acting on it. It is determined by the mass of the object and the acceleration due to gravity. The weight of an object is always directed downwards.
3. Equal Forces: At terminal velocity, the force of air resistance acting on the object becomes equal in magnitude to the weight of the object. This means that the object experiences an equal and opposite force to its weight, resulting in a net force of zero.
4. Zero Net Force: When the net force on an object is zero, it no longer accelerates and its velocity becomes constant. This constant velocity is known as the terminal velocity.
5. Mass and Terminal Velocity: The mass of the object does not directly affect the terminal velocity. Terminal velocity depends on the balance between the forces of gravity and air resistance, not the mass of the object. Objects with different masses but the same shape and size will have the same terminal velocity.
6. Maximum Velocity in Free Fall: Option 'A' states that terminal velocity is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fall. This statement is incorrect because terminal velocity only applies when there is a fluid (such as air) present to provide resistance. In a vacuum or when free falling without air resistance, there is no terminal velocity and the object will continue to accelerate.

Therefore, option 'C' is the correct statement about terminal velocity: It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the object.
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Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It...
Terminal velocity is the constant velocity reached by a falling object when the drag force (air resistance) becomes equal to the weight of the object. At this point, the net force acting on the object is zero, resulting in no further acceleration.
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Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fallb)It is directly proportional to the mass of the objectc)It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the objectd)It is the velocity at which an object starts acceleratingCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fallb)It is directly proportional to the mass of the objectc)It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the objectd)It is the velocity at which an object starts acceleratingCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fallb)It is directly proportional to the mass of the objectc)It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the objectd)It is the velocity at which an object starts acceleratingCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following statements is true about terminal velocity?a)It is the maximum velocity an object can reach in free fallb)It is directly proportional to the mass of the objectc)It is the velocity at which air resistance is equal to the weight of the objectd)It is the velocity at which an object starts acceleratingCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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