In the absence of any external forces, the maximum speed an object will attain while falling due to Earth's gravity is called the terminal velocity. Terminal velocity occurs when the force of gravity pulling the object downward is balanced by the upward force of air resistance.
The terminal velocity varies depending on the shape, size, and mass of the object. Generally, for small objects like a human-sized skydiver, the terminal velocity is around 53 meters per second (120 miles per hour). This speed is typically reached after about 12 to 15 seconds of freefall.
For larger objects or those with a more streamlined shape, the terminal velocity can be significantly higher. However, it's important to note that in the absence of any external forces or air resistance, an object would continue to accelerate indefinitely due to gravity. The concept of terminal velocity only applies when considering the influence of air resistance.