METEOROLOGY – PRECIPITATION CALCULATOR
Hail Terminal Velocity
A precise tool.
What is the Hail Terminal Velocity & How does it work?
Hail is a form of solid precipitation that falls from cumulonimbus clouds. It consists of ice pellets ranging in size from about 5 millimeters to over 10 centimeters in diameter.
The terminal velocity of hailstones depends on their mass and the air resistance they encounter as they fall through the atmosphere. The larger the hailstone, the faster it falls due to its increased mass and surface area.
v_t = sqrt{frac{2mg}{rho A C_d}}
v_t = terminal velocity, m = mass of the hailstone, g = acceleration due to gravity, rho = density of air, A = cross-sectional area of the hailstone, C_d = drag coefficient
The terminal velocity can be calculated using the formula above, where the mass is proportional to the volume of the hailstone and the cross-sectional area is proportional to the square of its diameter.
Parameters
Result
β
Frequently Asked Questions
What is terminal velocity in the context of hail?
Terminal velocity is the maximum constant speed that a falling object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force.
How does the size of a hailstone affect its terminal velocity?
Larger hailstones have greater mass and surface area, leading to higher terminal velocities as they fall through the atmosphere.
What factors determine the terminal velocity of a hailstone?
The terminal velocity of a hailstone is determined by its mass (m), gravitational acceleration (g), air density (Ο), cross-sectional area (A), and drag coefficient (C_d).
How can I calculate the terminal velocity of a hailstone?
Use the formula v_t = sqrt((2mg) / (ΟAC_d)), where v_t is the terminal velocity, m is the mass, g is gravitational acceleration, Ο is air density, A is cross-sectional area, and C_d is the drag coefficient.
What is the typical range of hailstone sizes?
Hailstones typically range in size from about 5 millimeters to over 10 centimeters in diameter.
Why do larger hailstones fall faster than smaller ones?
Larger hailstones have more mass and surface area, which increases the gravitational force acting on them while also increasing the air resistance they encounter. This results in a higher terminal velocity for larger hailstones.
How does air density affect hailstone terminal velocity?
Air density (Ο) plays a crucial role in determining terminal velocity; lower air densities result in higher terminal velocities for hailstones, as there is less resistance to overcome.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.