In the serene dance of physics, few phenomena embody elegance as profoundly as terminal velocity. As an object descends through a fluid medium, be it air or water, a delicate equilibrium emerges between the relentless pull of gravity and the resistant embrace of drag. Terminal velocity marks the zenith of this interplay, where the forces harmonize, and motion transcends acceleration, settling into a graceful, perpetual descent.

Terminal velocity is the constant speed achieved by an object falling through a fluid or air when the drag force acting on it becomes equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to the gravitational force. This equilibrium results in a net force of zero and a constant velocity. Terminal velocity is a crucial concept in fluid dynamics, with applications ranging from parachuting and skydiving to the design of aircraft and weather forecasting. Understanding terminal velocity requires an analysis of the forces at play, including gravity and drag, as well as the factors influencing terminal velocity, such as the mass and shape of the falling object and the density of the fluid.

The physics of terminal velocity can be understood by examining the forces acting on a falling object. Gravity pulls the object downwards, while the drag force, which depends on the object’s velocity, area, and the fluid’s density, acts in the opposite direction. As the object falls, its velocity increases, leading to an increase in the drag force until it equals the gravitational force. At this point, the net force on the object becomes zero, and it reaches terminal velocity. The terminal velocity of an object can be calculated using the equation v = sqrt((2 * m * g) / (ρ * A * Cd)), where v is the terminal velocity, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the object, and Cd is the drag coefficient.

Skydivers typically have a maximum terminal velocity speed of approximately 120 miles/hr (to a maximum of near 195 km/hr). The Quran in Surah Hajj –  mentions an individual falling from the sky – in essential free-fall akin to a skydiver – being snatched by birds. The arabic word – فَتَخۡطَفُهُ (fatakhtafuhu) – refers to being snatched or grabbed aggressively. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary also defines the action of snatching as the attempt: to attempt to seize something suddenly. 

Skeptics of the Quran have long inferred this was an impossible action –  for birds to “catch” in order to then subsequently “snatch” a human in air. They had assumed the bird and human would have similar velocity of decent and in no way could a bird catch the descending / free-falling human. Science again has now refuted this criticism. The World Atlas lists some documented terminal velocities of several species of birds as far faster than that of humans (enabling them to catch a free falling human without issue). For example:

The Peregrine Falcon: The peregrine falcon cruises at an impressive 40 – 60 miles per hour. However, when it comes time to hunt other birds, small mammals, and reptiles, this guy can dive at speeds upwards of 242 mph. To put that in perspective, Formula One race cars top out at around 223 mph. This incredible, death-from-above skill set makes the peregrine falcon not only the fastest bird in the world but the fastest animal, period.

or the Golden Eagle:  is a close second to the peregrine falcon in terms of raw speed. It is the only other bird in the world that can reach the 200 mph threshold while diving for prey (mostly consisting of small mammals, as well as fish, birds, and reptiles).

Nearly 1400 years ago – the Quran clearly states what modern physics and mathematics has verified. In Surah Fussilat (Quran 41:53) – Allah (swt) says: We will show them Our signs in the universe and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that this ˹Quran˺ is the truth. Is it not enough that your Lord is a Witness over all things?