<P> Near the surface of the Earth , an object in free fall in a vacuum will accelerate at approximately 9.8 m / s , independent of its mass . With air resistance acting on an object that has been dropped , the object will eventually reach a terminal velocity , which is around 53 m / s ( 195 km / h or 122 mph ) for a human skydiver . The terminal velocity depends on many factors including mass , drag coefficient , and relative surface area and will only be achieved if the fall is from sufficient altitude . A typical skydiver in a spread - eagle position will reach terminal velocity after about 12 seconds , during which time he will have fallen around 450 m ( 1,500 ft ) . </P>
<P> Near the surface of the Earth , an object in free fall in a vacuum will accelerate at approximately 9.8 m / s , independent of its mass . With air resistance acting on an object that has been dropped , the object will eventually reach a terminal velocity , which is around 53 m / s ( 195 km / h or 122 mph ) for a human skydiver . The terminal velocity depends on many factors including mass , drag coefficient , and relative surface area and will only be achieved if the fall is from sufficient altitude . A typical skydiver in a spread - eagle position will reach terminal velocity after about 12 seconds , during which time he will have fallen around 450 m ( 1,500 ft ) . </P>
how far does a human fall before reaching terminal velocity
how far does a human fall before reaching terminal velocity
around 450 m ( 1,500 ft )
around 450 m ( 1,500 ft )