When an object falls through the air and gains velocity, the net force actually
A)increases.
B)decreases.
C)remains the same whether in air or in a vacuum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Newton's second law of motion, the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration. In the case of a falling object, as it gains velocity, the force of air resistance (also called drag) increases, which acts in the opposite direction to the force of gravity. Eventually, the air resistance becomes equal and opposite to the force of gravity, and the net force on the object becomes zero, resulting in a constant velocity called terminal velocity. Therefore, the net force on the object decreases as it falls through the air, making option B the correct choice. The net force remains the same in a vacuum because there is no air resistance acting on the object.

When an Object Falls Through the Air and Gains Velocity