Free Fall Time from 120 meters - How Long to Fall?
Dropping an object from a height of 120 meters in vacuum results in an elapsed fall time of 4.947 seconds and a terminal impact speed of 48.51 m/s (approx. 174.6 km/h or 108.5 mph).
Calculations are derived from classical Newtonian kinematics h = ½gt² 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 120 m.
Drop Time Comparison Across Solar System (120.0m 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.
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120m 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 | 4.946 s | 174.7 km/h | 686.7 N (70.0 kg) |
Moon | 1.62 m/s² | 12.172 s | 71.0 km/h | 113.4 N (11.6 kg) |
Mars | 3.71 m/s² | 8.043 s | 107.4 km/h | 259.7 N (26.5 kg) |
Jupiter | 24.79 m/s² | 3.111 s | 277.7 km/h | 1735.3 N (177.0 kg) |
Venus | 8.87 m/s² | 5.202 s | 166.1 km/h | 620.9 N (63.3 kg) |
Mercury | 3.7 m/s² | 8.054 s | 107.3 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 120 meters on Earth?
In a vacuum under standard Earth gravity (g = 9.80665 m/s²), an object dropped from rest takes exactly 4.947 seconds to fall 120 meters, calculated via t = √(2h / g).
Q2.What is the impact velocity from a 120m drop?
At ground impact after falling 120m, the object reaches a velocity of 48.51 m/s, which equals 174.6 km/h (108.5 mph).
Q3.How does free fall from 120m compare on the Moon vs Jupiter?
On the Moon (g = 1.62 m/s²), falling 120m takes 12.17 seconds. On Jupiter (g = 24.79 m/s²), the same fall takes just 3.11 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.