When considering whether heavier objects reach terminal velocity faster than lighter ones, the answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Terminal velocity is the constant speed that an object eventually reaches when the resistance of the medium through which it is falling prevents further acceleration.
Heavier objects do experience a greater gravitational force, which tends to increase their acceleration during free fall. However, they also experience greater drag force due to air resistance. The balance between these forces determines terminal velocity. So, while a heavier object may start out accelerating faster, it will not necessarily reach terminal velocity faster than a lighter object.
In fact, the terminal velocity of an object is more influenced by its shape and surface area than its mass. A feather and a bowling ball dropped from the same height will not fall at the same rate; the feather will reach its terminal velocity much sooner due to its larger surface area relative to its mass, causing it to experience significant air resistance. Conversely, the bowling ball, though heavier, has a smaller surface area relative to its mass and will fall quickly but reach a stable terminal velocity slower compared to a feather.
In conclusion, while heavier objects have stronger gravitational force, the interplay of gravitational force and drag force results in no clear-cut answer. Heavier objects do not necessarily reach terminal velocity faster; it largely depends on their shape, size, and the medium through which they are falling.