Terminal Velocity Calculator
Calculate the terminal velocity of a falling object.
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Enter the mass, drag coefficient (1.0 for a person, 0.47 for a sphere), cross-sectional area, and air density (1.225 kg/m3 at sea level). The calculator computes the terminal velocity.
About Terminal Velocity
Terminal velocity occurs when air resistance (drag) balances the gravitational force on a falling object. It depends on mass, cross-sectional area, drag coefficient, and air density. The formula vt = sqrt(2mg/(rho Cd A)) shows that heavier or more streamlined objects fall faster, while larger or more resistant objects fall slower. Terminal velocity explains why raindrops don't hit the ground at lethal speeds and why parachutes work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is terminal velocity?
Terminal velocity is the maximum speed a falling object reaches when the drag force equals the gravitational force. At this point, acceleration is zero and the object falls at constant speed.
What affects terminal velocity?
Heavier objects reach higher terminal velocities. Larger cross-sectional areas and higher drag coefficients lower it. Air density also matters, which is why terminal velocity increases at higher altitudes.
What is the terminal velocity of a skydiver?
A skydiver in a belly-down position reaches about 55 m/s (120 mph). In a head-down position, it increases to about 70 m/s (160 mph) due to reduced cross-sectional area.