The balance between gravity and drag occurs at a lower speed, a lower terminal velocity, for the crumpled paper. |
The drops begin falling as rain or ice crystals as snow when they grow to a size that makes their terminal velocity faster than the rising air. |
Increasing difference in the density of particle and solid results in higher terminal velocity. |
At terminal velocity, of course, these jumpers open a parachute and float to the ground. |
Raindrops fall at a much lower terminal velocity, and a mist of tiny oil droplets settles at an exceedingly small terminal velocity. |
A site with a number of excellent simulations. The one on terminal velocity is particularly well done. |