Question

gravity and air resistance quick check
what happens when a falling object reaches terminal velocity? (1 point)
it hits the ground and stops.
it speeds up.
it slows down.
it stops accelerating.

Explanation:

When an object reaches terminal velocity, the force of gravity (pulling it down) is equal to the air resistance (pushing up against its motion). According to Newton's second law \(F = ma\), if the net force \(F\) is zero (because \(F_{gravity}=F_{air - resistance}\)), then the acceleration \(a=\frac{F}{m}=0\). So, the object stops accelerating. It doesn't hit the ground yet (so the first option is wrong), and since acceleration is zero, it doesn't speed up (second option wrong) or slow down (third option wrong) in terms of acceleration - related speed change (constant velocity is maintained).

Answer:

It stops accelerating.