The maximum velocity a falling object can achieve is called the terminal velocity. Terminal velocity is the constant velocity reached by an object when the drag force acting on it due to the surrounding fluid (such as air) becomes equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the force of gravity pulling the object downward.
The terminal velocity of an object depends on various factors such as the object's size, shape, and mass, as well as the density and viscosity of the surrounding fluid. Generally, larger and more aerodynamic objects have higher terminal velocities.
For example, in the case of a skydiver in a belly-to-earth position, the terminal velocity is typically around 53 m/s (about 120 mph or 193 km/h). However, it's important to note that terminal velocity can vary for different objects and under different conditions.
It's also worth mentioning that terminal velocity is only reached under ideal conditions where there are no other forces acting on the object apart from gravity and drag. In reality, factors such as wind, air density variations, and surface effects can influence an object's actual velocity during free fall.