# Falling

#### AntigoneRex

##### New member
What is the formula to find the energy of a falling object. Based in metric measurements what is the energy of a given weight falling from a variety of distance upto terminal velocity?. At what point is a person falling leathal?

Thank you

#### MarkFL

##### Super Moderator
Staff member
The energy of an object of mass $$m$$ associated with its motion is called kinetic energy $$K$$, and varies as the mass of the object and the square of its speed $$v$$:

$$\displaystyle K=\frac{1}{2}mv^2$$

The speed of a falling object, at least in a mathematical model will depend on the details of that model, such as how drag varies with speed, and on the coefficient of drag which largely depends on the geometry of the object.

The point at which the impact with the ground becomes lethal will vary from person to person. A very massive person might find an impact resulting from a fall from a certain height lethal, whereas a lighter person might survive.

#### mmm4444bot

##### Super Moderator
Staff member
… At what point is a person falling lethal?
That depends on the circumstances. (I worked 15 years in emergency medicine, and I've seen people who were killed after falling less than a meter.)

Are you posting questions about schoolwork? If so, what class are you taking?

Please read the forum's guidelines. Thank you!