A Levels Physics (9702)•9702/12/O/N/24

Explanation
Terminal velocity implies constant speed due to balanced forces
Steps:
- Terminal velocity occurs when drag force equals gravitational force, resulting in zero net force.
- Zero net force means zero acceleration, so velocity remains constant.
- If X is time and Y is velocity, the graph shows a horizontal line.
- If X is time and Y is displacement, the graph shows a straight line with constant slope.
Why B is correct:
- Option B depicts a horizontal line for velocity vs. time, matching constant speed at terminal velocity per Newton's first law.
Why the others are wrong:
- A shows increasing velocity, implying acceleration, which occurs before terminal velocity.
- C shows decreasing velocity, contradicting the upward drag balance.
- D shows a curve or oscillation, not possible with balanced constant forces.
Final answer: B
Topic: Equilibrium of forces
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