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Terminal Velocity 3D — Free Fall then Parachute

Gravity pulls down at a constant force; air drag grows with speed² and pushes back up. When the two forces balance, velocity stops changing — that moment is terminal velocity.

Free-fall parameters — v = √(mg / k)

Weight (m)80 kg

Drag coeff. (k)0.259

v = √(80 × 9.8 / 0.259) = 55.0 m/s

Time0.0 s

Altitude1200 m

Velocity0.0 m/s

Acceleration9.8 m/s²

Net Force+784 N

Phase Ready

velocity v(t) free-fall terminal (≈55 m/s) parachute terminal (≈6 m/s)

gravity (constant) drag (grows with v²) net force — shrinks to ~0 at terminal velocity

Weight vs Drag → effect on v

W > D net force down → v increases

W < D net force up → v decreases

W = D net force zero → v constant (terminal velocity)