Free Fall Calculator with Air Resistance
Calculate velocity, time, and impact energy for falling objects. Features planet selection (Mars, Moon) and realistic air resistance physics.
About
Physics students and engineers use free fall calculations to model the motion of objects under the influence of gravitational fields. In a vacuum, all objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass. However, in real-world scenarios on Earth or Mars, atmospheric drag significantly alters the trajectory and impact velocity. This tool bridges the gap between theoretical kinematics and realistic dynamics.
The calculator incorporates standard gravitational constants for major solar system bodies. It allows for the optional inclusion of air resistance (drag), which introduces the concept of terminal velocity - the maximum speed an object can reach when the force of gravity equals the drag force. This is critical for skydiving physics, ballistics, and drop-test engineering.
Formulas
In a vacuum, the equations of motion are derived from constant acceleration. The velocity v and time t for height h are:
With air resistance, the terminal velocity vt is calculated using mass m, drag coefficient Cd, fluid density ρ, and area A:
Reference Data
| Planet / Body | Gravity (g) | Fall Time (100m) | Impact Velocity (Vacuum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earth | 9.807 m/s2 | 4.52 s | 44.29 m/s |
| Moon | 1.62 m/s2 | 11.11 s | 18.00 m/s |
| Mars | 3.71 m/s2 | 7.34 s | 27.24 m/s |
| Jupiter | 24.79 m/s2 | 2.84 s | 70.41 m/s |
| Sun | 274.0 m/s2 | 0.85 s | 234.0 m/s |
| Pluto | 0.62 m/s2 | 17.96 s | 11.14 m/s |