Terminal Velocity Calculation: Air Density & Drag Coefficent

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The terminal velocity of a falling object can be calculated using the equation provided on Wikipedia. For a 57 kg individual at an altitude of 1000 meters, the drag coefficient and air density are critical parameters. Typical values for the drag coefficient for a human body range from 0.7 to 1.0, while the air density at 1000 meters is approximately 1.112 kg/m³. These values are essential for accurate terminal velocity calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the terminal velocity equation
  • Knowledge of drag coefficient values
  • Familiarity with air density variations with altitude
  • Basic physics concepts related to forces and motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of altitude on air density using the International Standard Atmosphere model
  • Explore the relationship between drag coefficient and object shape
  • Learn how to calculate terminal velocity for different weights and shapes
  • Investigate the impact of wind resistance on falling objects
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of falling objects and terminal velocity calculations.

Energize
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
Not a homework question as such, but I thought this was the best place to put it.

I'm trying to work out the terminal velocity of a falling object, say myself (57kg) at 1000m, I have the equation from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_velocity but have no idea what the drag coefficient is or the density of air at that altitude. Does anyone know what these values are?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here are some typical values

http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~vawter/PhysicsNet/Topics/Dynamics/Forces/DragCoeficientValues.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Drag Forces and Terminal Velocity
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Motion of a Parachuter (Terminal Velocity, Time of Flight, Distance)
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
I am confused about air density/drag
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
How come "terminal velocity" and "final velocity" are different?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How do I find the terminal speed of a body in water?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Terminal velocity of a skier using a Momentum Balance
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Calculating Density Using Upthrust and Drag Force in Water
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
An experiment from which you can calculate terminal velocity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Conservation of energy at terminal velocity
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Terminal Velocity of Cube: 1.6 m/s
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K