Terminal Velocity

v_t = \sqrt{\frac{2mg}{C_D \rho A}}

Maximum velocity when drag equals weight.

Variables

v_t

Terminal velocity

Maximum falling speed

m/s

m

Mass

Object mass

kg

g

Gravitational acceleration

≈ 9.8 m/s²

m/s²

C_D

Drag coefficient

Shape-dependent constant

unitless

ρ

Fluid density

Density of fluid

kg/m³

A

Cross-sectional area

Projected area

m²

Derivation

Set drag force equal to weight and solve for v.

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