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CAIE A-Level Physics 3.2.3 Terminal Velocity

Practise identifying terminal velocity from force balance and constant speed, interpreting resultant force, acceleration and speed before and at terminal motion.

Syllabus
2028–2030
Course
Physics 9702
Level
AS

Exam points

  • Explain why an object moving against a resistive force may reach terminal velocity.
  • Identify the balance between driving force/weight and resistive force at terminal velocity.
  • Interpret the changes in resultant force, acceleration and speed before and at terminal velocity.

3.2.3—Objects moving against a resistive force may reach a terminal (constant) question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

The cylinder in (b) is released from the string at time t=4.0 st=4.0 \mathrm{~s}. The cylinder falls, from rest, vertically downwards through the water. Assume that the upthrust acting on the cylinder remains constant as it falls.

State and explain the variation, if any, of the acceleration of the cylinder as it falls downwards through the water.

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