关键词: 黏滞阻力, 终极速度, 牛顿第二定律, Vpython

Abstract: During college physics teaching, viscous resistance and terminal speed are very important concepts in applying the Newton’s laws. In this paper, we compare and analyze the knowledge points of viscous resistance and terminal velocity, and simulate the motion of objects which experienced viscous resistance by VPython software, such as dandelion seeds, basketball，and the Shenzhou spaceship. Most interestingly, based on the constant mass of object, we also study and simulate the falling motion of raindrop of varying mass with the effect of viscous resistance. The results indicate that the raindrop will approach its terminal speed which is relative to the radius of raindrop. The simulation deepens the understanding of textbook knowledge.

Key words: viscous resistance, terminal speed, Newton’s second law, VPython