Free Fall - Distance

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Free Fall - Distance

Free Fall - Distance
\[h = \frac{1}{2} g t^2\]

Variables

h = fall distance (m)
g = gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s²)
t = time of fall (s)

Description

What is this formula?

This equation calculates the vertical distance traveled by an object in free fall starting from rest, assuming constant gravitational acceleration and no air resistance.


When to use it

Use it when an object is dropped without initial velocity and gravity is the only significant force acting on it.


Example

If an object falls for 3 s on Earth:


h = 0.5 × 9.81 × 3² = 44.145 m


Applications

Physics education, drop tests, motion analysis, engineering estimates, safety calculations.


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