The distance an airstream travels after leaving a supply outlet before the velocity is reduced to the terminal velocity is referred to as?

The term that describes the distance an airstream travels after leaving a supply outlet before the velocity is reduced to the terminal velocity is best known as "throw." This concept is crucial in HVAC design because it directly impacts how effectively air gets distributed throughout a space.

In practical terms, throw refers to how far air can travel and still maintain sufficient velocity to effectively mix with the surrounding air and achieve the desired temperature control. Understanding throw helps HVAC technicians design systems that achieve optimal air distribution and comfort levels within rooms.

The other terms, such as drop, flow rate, and distance, do not properly encapsulate this specific concept of how far air travels in a given time while maintaining its velocity. Drop typically refers more to a loss in pressure or temperature in the duct system, rather than the distance traveled by the air at a particular velocity. Flow rate refers to the volume of air moving through a system, which is a different measurement altogether. Distance is a general term that does not specifically relate to air movement principles in HVAC contexts.