Free Fall Time from 40 meters - How Long to Fall?
Dropping an object from a height of 40 meters in vacuum results in an elapsed fall time of 2.856 seconds and a terminal impact speed of 28.01 m/s (approx. 100.8 km/h or 62.7 mph).
Calculations are derived from classical Newtonian kinematics (h = ½ · g · t²) under standard Earth gravitational acceleration (g = 9.80665 m/s²).
Free Fall Drop Time & Impact Velocity
Classical Newtonian Kinematics in Vacuum (NIST Reference CODATA)
Elapsed duration for an object to reach ground in vacuum from 40 m.
Drop Time Comparison Across Solar System (40.0m Drop)
t ∝ 1/√gskymotion20-20).Recommended Classical Mechanics & Physics Literature
Hand-selected peer-reviewed literature, optical instruments, and mechanics resources verified by physics educator Traian Anghel.
The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 1
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Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor
Clear, rigorous pedagogical treatment of Newton's laws, kinematics, momentum, and orbital mechanics.
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
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40m Drop Time & Weight Across the Solar System
| Celestial Body | Surface Gravity (g) | Fall Duration (t) | Impact Velocity (km/h) | 70kg Person Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Earth | 9.81 m/s² | 2.856 s | 100.9 km/h | 686.7 N (70.0 kg) |
Moon | 1.62 m/s² | 7.027 s | 41.0 km/h | 113.4 N (11.6 kg) |
Mars | 3.71 m/s² | 4.644 s | 62.0 km/h | 259.7 N (26.5 kg) |
Jupiter | 24.79 m/s² | 1.796 s | 160.3 km/h | 1735.3 N (177.0 kg) |
Venus | 8.87 m/s² | 3.003 s | 95.9 km/h | 620.9 N (63.3 kg) |
Mercury | 3.7 m/s² | 4.650 s | 61.9 km/h | 259.0 N (26.4 kg) |
Explore Other Kinematics & Motion Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.How long does it take an object to fall 40 meters on Earth?
In a vacuum under standard Earth gravity (g = 9.80665 m/s²), an object dropped from rest takes exactly 2.856 seconds to fall 40 meters, calculated via t = √(2h / g).
Q2.What is the impact velocity from a 40m drop?
At ground impact after falling 40m, the object reaches a velocity of 28.01 m/s, which equals 100.8 km/h (62.7 mph).
Q3.How does free fall from 40m compare on the Moon vs Jupiter?
On the Moon (g = 1.62 m/s²), falling 40m takes 7.03 seconds. On Jupiter (g = 24.79 m/s²), the same fall takes just 1.80 seconds due to its immense gravitational acceleration.
skymotion20-20).Recommended Classical Mechanics & Physics Literature
Hand-selected peer-reviewed literature, optical instruments, and mechanics resources verified by physics educator Traian Anghel.
The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 1
By Richard Feynman, Robert Leighton & Matthew Sands. Mechanics, radiation, kinetics, and heat.
Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor
Clear, rigorous pedagogical treatment of Newton's laws, kinematics, momentum, and orbital mechanics.
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
By Raymond A. Serway & John W. Jewett. Comprehensive kinetic energy, work, and friction mechanics.