Terminal velocity is the constant speed an object reaches when the force of gravity pulling it down is balanced by the air resistance pushing up against it. When an object falls, it accelerates until the upward force of air resistance equals the downward force of gravity. At this point, the object stops accelerating and continues to fall at a steady speed. For example, a skydiver experiences terminal velocity after jumping from an airplane. Initially, they fall faster and faster, but soon the air resistance increases until it matches the force of gravity. The skydiver then falls at a constant speed, typically around 120 miles per hour, until they deploy their parachute.