Terminal motion still transfers energy
An object moving at terminal speed has constant kinetic energy, but work is still done against resistive forces. Energy is transferred continuously to the surroundings.
Follow the reasoning
- Check that the speed is constant.
- Identify the force doing work against resistance.
- Multiply that force by the speed to obtain the transfer rate.
Try it in a past paper 6
Open the question, then use its mark scheme to check your work.
Question 19
Recognise electrical power as energy transferred per unit time.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Power before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 23(a)–(b)
Calculate microwave-oven efficiency and evaluate the time needed to heat soup.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Power before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 5(b)
Derive power equals force times speed and apply it to a trolley moving up a slope.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Power before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 24(a)
Explain terminal velocity using the resultant force.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Motion with non-uniform acceleration before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
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Question 25
Use video timing and displacement data to determine terminal speed in water.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Motion with non-uniform acceleration before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
Question 2
Plan and analyse an experiment linking terminal speed to ball diameter.
Build the supporting skills. Practise Motion with non-uniform acceleration before exploring this connection. This question has not been checked as a combined example of the connection.
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Specification outcomes (4)
- 3.2.2(a) Define drag as the frictional force experienced by an object travelling through a fluid.
- 3.2.2(d)(i) Define and describe terminal velocity.
- 3.3.3(a) Define power, the unit watt, and use P = W / t.
- 3.3.3(b) Use and derive P = Fv from first principles.