Terminal Velocity Calculator

Category: Physics
- November 29, 2025
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Terminal velocity is the maximum velocity attainable by an object falling through a fluid. It occurs when the sum of the drag force and buoyancy equals the downward force of gravity, resulting in zero net acceleration.

This calculator helps you determine the terminal velocity of an object based on its properties and the fluid it's falling through.

? The area of the object perpendicular to the direction of motion. For a falling person in the spread position, it's approximately 0.7-1.0 m².
Cd
? Drag coefficient depends on object shape. Typical values: sphere (0.47), cube (1.05), human skydiver (0.7-1.2).

Fluid Properties

Advanced Options

About Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the steady speed achieved by a falling object when the drag force and buoyancy equal the gravitational force. At this point, the net force becomes zero, and the object stops accelerating.

Key Factors Affecting Terminal Velocity:
  • Object Mass and Size: Heavier objects with smaller cross-sectional areas reach higher terminal velocities.
  • Object Shape: The drag coefficient varies based on shape. Streamlined objects experience less drag.
  • Fluid Density: Denser fluids (like water compared to air) create more drag, resulting in lower terminal velocities.
  • Gravity: Higher gravitational acceleration increases terminal velocity.
Common Examples:
  • Human Skydiver: Approximately 55 m/s (120 mph) in spread position; up to 90 m/s (200 mph) in head-down position.
  • Raindrop: 9 m/s (20 mph) for medium-sized drops.
  • Hailstone (2cm): About 20 m/s (45 mph).
  • Baseball: Around 40 m/s (90 mph).
Practical Applications:
  • Skydiving: Understanding terminal velocity helps skydivers control their fall rate and relative positioning.
  • Meteorology: Predicting rainfall rates and precipitation time.
  • Engineering: Designing parachutes, air resistance systems, and predicting falling object behaviour.
  • Space Exploration: Understanding atmospheric entry dynamics of spacecraft and objects.

Understanding Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity refers to the highest speed an object can reach when falling through a fluid, like air or water. This speed is achieved when the forces of gravity, drag, and buoyancy balance out. When these forces equal each Other, the object stops accelerating and moves at a constant speed. This concept is important in many fields, including Physics and engineering.

How the Terminal Velocity Calculator Works

The Terminal Velocity Calculator helps you find the terminal velocity of an object by using its properties and the fluid it is moving through. You can input details such as the object’s mass, shape, cross-sectional area, and the type of fluid. The calculator then applies specific formulas to determine how fast the object will fall.

Inputting Your Object's Properties

To get accurate results, you need to enter some important information about the object. This includes:

  • Mass of the object in kilograms or pounds.
  • Cross-sectional area, which is the area facing the direction of motion.
  • Drag coefficient, which depends on the object's shape.

These values play a crucial role in calculating terminal velocity. The more accurate the inputs, the more precise your results will be.

Choosing the Right Fluid Type

The type of fluid the object is falling through also affects terminal velocity. The calculator allows you to choose among various fluids, including air at different altitudes and water. Each option has a different density, which impacts how much drag force acts on the falling object. Selecting the correct fluid is essential for an accurate calculation.

Adjusting Advanced Options

For even more customisation, the calculator offers advanced options. You can adjust settings like the number of decimal places in the results and the units of velocity. This flexibility allows you to tailor the output according to your needs, whether for school projects, research, or personal curiosity.

Exploring Calculation Results

Once you've input all the necessary information, the calculator provides various results. You will see the terminal velocity, estimated fall time from a height of 100 metres, and the force acting on the object when it reaches terminal velocity. Understanding these results can offer useful insights into the physics of free fall.

Real-World Applications of Terminal Velocity

Knowing about terminal velocity has several practical applications, such as:

  • Skydiving: It helps skydivers control their speed and position during free fall.
  • Meteorology: It aids in predicting how rain droplets fall, affecting weather forecasts.
  • Engineering: Engineers use this knowledge to design parachutes and safety equipment.

These examples highlight how this knowledge is used in various fields to improve safety and efficiency.

Learn More About Terminal Velocity

To wrap things up, understanding terminal velocity helps us grasp why objects fall at certain speeds. This knowledge is not only fascinating but also vital for fields like physics, engineering, and meteorology. The Terminal Velocity Calculator makes it easy to explore and calculate terminal velocities, opening up a world of possibilities for learning and experimentation.