Edexcel IGCSE Physics 1.21 Falling objects & terminal velocity

Practise explaining falling motion with weight, drag and resultant force, including parachutes and the conditions for terminal velocity.

Exam points

draw or label weight and drag arrows on a falling object or parachutist diagram
explain how increasing drag changes resultant force, acceleration and speed during a fall
link terminal velocity to balanced weight and air resistance with zero resultant force

[Maximum number: 5]

A student stretches a rubber band.

The student stretches the rubber band and then releases it. The band moves vertically upwards.

The band reaches its maximum height.

Explain the motion of the band as it falls from its maximum height to the ground.

Refer to forces in your answer.
You may assume
- the band does not rotate
- the band does not reach terminal velocity

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1.21 Falling objects and terminal velocity question 1