Identify the forces acting on the object: weight, drag, and any buoyancy
Write the net force equation
Set net force equal to zero for terminal velocity
Solve for the velocity in the drag-force equation
For linear drag: use ( mg = bv_t ), so ( v_t = frac{mg}{b} )
For quadratic drag: use ( mg = frac{1}{2}rho C_d A v_t^2 ), so ( v_t = sqrt{frac{2mg}{rho C_d A}} )
Include buoyancy if needed: use ( mg – F_b = F_d )
Use the object’s mass, cross-sectional area, drag coefficient, and fluid density
Check that the object is moving in a fluid where drag applies
Verify the result has units of velocity