What speed can a human reach in free fall?

In free fall, a human can reach a terminal velocity of about 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour) in a stable belly-to-earth position. This is the maximum speed at which a person will fall when the force of gravity is balanced by the air resistance acting against them.

During free fall, a person accelerates due to gravity until the upward force of air resistance increases enough to equal the downward force of gravity. At this point, the person stops accelerating and continues to fall at a constant speed, known as terminal velocity.

It’s worth noting that terminal velocity can vary based on body position and clothing. For instance, if a person falls feet first, they can reach a higher terminal velocity of around 150 to 180 miles per hour (241 to 290 kilometers per hour) due to a more streamlined shape.

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