How does terminal velocity arise?
Terminal velocity is the approximately constant speed reached when fluid drag balances an object's effective weight.
Physical mechanism and core principles
Drag increases as the object speeds up; when upward forces equal weight, net acceleration approaches zero. Gravity remains present while forces balance.
Evidence, applications and limits
The value depends on mass, area, shape and fluid density. A parachute lowers terminal speed by increasing area, while small droplets can follow different drag regimes. Quantitative interpretation must state boundary conditions, units and ideal-model assumptions.
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