Simple Description

The final speed a moving object will reach due to its inability to overcome resistive forces.

Further Detail

For example, consider a skydiver. When the skydiver first jumps out of a plane, he will accelerate downards as his weight is larger than the air resistance acting against him. As he speeds up, the air resistance will increase until it balances his weight. When the forces are balanced he won't accelerate any more - he has reached his terminal velocity.

Related Words:

• Balanced forces
• Air resistance

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