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GCSE Physics · key term
A resistive force exerted by a fluid, such as air or water, which acts against an object's motion through the fluid.
Used by AQA and OCR
Specification 4.5.6.1.5 · Paper 2
Revise: Velocity-Time Graphs and Terminal VelocityAn object falling through air or another fluid has weight acting downwards and drag acting upwards, opposite to its motion. Just after release, its speed and drag are small, so weight is greater than drag. There is a downward resultant force, and the object accelerates.
Specification P2.2f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
A resistive force on an object moving relative to a fluid such as air or water; it acts against the relative motion.
Revise: Terminal velocityThe main external forces on the whole system are its weight and the drag exerted by the air.
When explaining terminal velocity, link each stage explicitly: compare weight and drag, state the resultant force, then state what happens to acceleration and velocity.
State both parts of the terminal-velocity explanation: drag equals weight, so the resultant force and acceleration are zero.
When a parachute first opens, drag is greater than weight. The resultant force is upwards, but the skydiver is still moving downwards and slowing down.
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