Re: Terminal Velocity of Impacting our Moon

"Terminal velocity" is that velocity at which the force of acceleration
on a freely falling object due to gravity is balanced by an equal and
opposite force of drag due to friction of the medium.

The gravitational force will depend on the mass of the primary and the
distance to the center of mass of the primary.

The force of friction will depend on the density of the medium and the
aerodynamic characteristics of the falling object. The density of the
medium will also depend (in an exponential way) on the altitude above
the surface of the primary.

As a result "terminal velocity" is not a constant but varies with
altitude and is different for different objects.

The figure of 2.4 m/s you give only holds for a certain set of
circumstances and for a certain class of objects at certain altitude,
none of which have been specified.

Tom Davidson
Richmond, VA

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