Created By : Naaz Fatima

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : May 18, 2023


The Free Fall with Air Resistance Calculator is a free tool that shows the time of fall, maximum and terminal velocity. To get the appropriate output in a fraction of a second, simply enter the relevant inputs and click the calculate button.

Mass (M):
Time of fall (t):
Gravitational acceleration (g):
Air resistance (k):
Altitude (h):
Free fall velocity (v):
Drag force is:
                 

What is a Free Fall?

In physics, free fall is defined as a motion of a body with no external forces acting on it other than gravity. However, this does not imply that the object must travel downwards; However, in this calculator, we use a less scientific definition of "free fall," considering any item that moves towards the earth (without external acceleration or deceleration) to be in free fall. Such a motion can be seen in a skydiver or a parachute jumper moving towards the ground. Two forces are operating on him: one is gravity, and the other is air resistance (which causes deceleration).

Air Resistance Formula

In free fall, air resistance is a force that opposes the body's motion. The greater the force, the faster you fall. The formula for the Force Drag Equation is as follows F = k x v²

  • Where, v = instantaneous speed
  • k = air resistance coefficient in kg/m

Resistance to Air The coefficient is determined by several parameters, and air resistance is calculated using the formula k = ρ x A x C / 2

The density of the medium through which the body travels is represented in the above formula.

  • A = area of the falling body's
  • C = dimensionless drag coefficient associated with the shape of a falling body.
  • Default Value k = 0.24 kg/m

Terminal vs. Maximum Velocity

The object accelerates steadily as it falls due to gravity. The air resistance force increases with velocity. The drag force will eventually become large enough to entirely counteract the gravitational attraction. The body stops accelerating at this point and reaches its terminal velocity.

However, this does not imply that any object in free fall will achieve its terminal velocity; after all, it could hit the ground before reaching it. As a result, our free fall with air resistance calculator will give you a different result: the maximum velocity reached by the body before it comes to a stop.

For more concepts check out physicscalculatorpro.com to get quick answers by using this free tool.

How to Find Out Air Resistance?

To determine the air resistance, use the easy techniques described below. They are as follows

  • Step 1: Calculate k for air resistance and v for instantaneous speed.
  • Step 2: Put them in the formula of air resistance i.e. F = k x v²
  • Step 3: To get the air resistance, solve the equation and simplify it even more.

FAQs on Free Fall with Air Resistance

1. When a person is in free fall, why does he or she feel weightless?

We don't feel weighed down because we're not being pushed or pulled in any direction. The force of our feet on the ground and the ground against our feet is what makes us feel 'weighted' when we're standing on the ground.


2. How do you calculate projectile motion with air resistance?

The resistive force, represented by the vector F, can be written as F=-f(v) u, where u=V/|V| is the unit vector along the velocity V's direction. The minus symbol ensures that the projectile's air resistance is always in the opposite direction as its velocity.


3. What does air resistance look like in practice?

Air resistance is a sort of friction that occurs when air comes into contact with another material. When an aeroplane flies through the air, for example, air particles collide with it, making it more difficult for the plane to move through the air. It's the same for a moving object in the water.


4. What's the difference between weightlessness and freefall?

A body is considered to be in free fall if it is falling freely under the influence of gravity with no external resistance. Weightlessness is defined as the state or situation of a body that has zero weight or feels weightless.