Convert Cosmic Velocity - First (v₁) to Centimeter/Minute (cm/min) instantly.
About these units
Cosmic Velocity - First (v₁)
The first cosmic velocity is the minimum horizontal speed an object must achieve to enter a stable orbit around a planetary body without additional propulsion. For Earth, this value is about 7.9 km/s. At this speed, an object's forward motion precisely balances with the gravitational pull downward, creating continuous free-fall—the essence of orbital motion. This velocity is foundational in orbital mechanics. Spacecraft reaching Low Earth Orbit (LEO) must achieve at least this horizontal speed, even if their vertical ascent profile varies. Understanding v₁ was essential in the early space age: it represented the threshold between atmospheric flight and true spaceflight, marking human entry into the orbital era.
Centimeter/Minute (cm/min)
A centimeter per minute is a very slow but measurable speed, ideal for documenting the movement of small mechanical devices, capillary flow, microfluidics, or slow conveyor systems. Medical applications include infusion pump rates, which may sometimes be described in cm/min when relating to catheter insertion or microdroplet transport speed. Because centimeters align with everyday physical intuition, this unit strikes a balance between precision and accessibility in niche scientific applications.