Physics
How quickly the speed is approached
The characteristic time of the approach, about three of which reach 95 percent.
The Formula
tau = v / g
The characteristic time of the approach, about three of which reach 95 percent.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| tau | Time constant | seconds | The characteristic time of the approach. |
| v | Terminal velocity | metres per second | The steady falling speed. |
| g | Gravity | metres per second squared | The acceleration of gravity. |
What Each Symbol Means
tauseconds
Time constant
The characteristic time of the approach.
vmetres per second
Terminal velocity
The steady falling speed.
gmetres per second squared
Gravity
The acceleration of gravity.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate terminal velocity page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Terminal Velocity, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.