P2.1.4 - AQA GCSE Physics Unit 2

 

 

P2.1.4

Forces and terminal velocity

a) The faster an object moves through a fluid the greater the frictional force that acts on it.

A fluid is a gas or a liquid.

 

b) An object falling through a fluid will initially accelerate due to the force of gravity. Eventually the resultant force will be zero and the object will move at its terminal velocity (steady speed).

Candidates should understand why the use of a parachute reduces the parachutist's terminal velocity.

c) Draw and interpret velocity-time graphs for objects that reach terminal velocity, including a consideration of the forces acting on the object.

d) Calculate the weight of an object using the force exerted on it by a gravitational force:

W = m x g

W is the weight in newtons, N

m is the mass in kilograms, kg

g is the gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram, N/kg