Terminal Velocity - GCSE Physics Definition

Terminal velocity is the fastest speed an object can reach when falling through a fluid like air or water. When an object falls, it speeds up because gravity is pulling it downwards. However, as it speeds up, the air resistance pushing against it also increases. Eventually, the upward force of air resistance becomes equal to the downward pull of gravity, and the forces are balanced. At this point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a constant speed. This constant speed is called terminal velocity.