What is the maximum velocity a falling object can achieve when falling through a liquid or gas called?

Prepare for the DIVE Integrated Chemistry and Physics Quarterly Exam 3. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations to guide your learning. Excel in your exam!

The maximum velocity a falling object can achieve when moving through a liquid or gas is known as terminal velocity. This phenomenon occurs when the force of gravity acting on the object is balanced by the drag force exerted by the fluid through which it is moving. As the object accelerates downward, it eventually reaches a point where these two forces equal each other, resulting in no further acceleration and a constant speed. This maximum speed is crucial in various applications, such as skydiving, where understanding terminal velocity helps in assessing safe jumping techniques and equipment use.

The other terms do not accurately describe this concept. For instance, "velocity cap" is not a standard term used in physics. "Falling speed" could be a generic reference to how fast an object is falling at any moment but does not specify the point at which forces balance. "Impact speed" refers to the speed of an object just before it strikes another surface, which is not the same as terminal velocity.

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