Free fall

Definition

Free fall is the motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only. It neglects air resistance and assumes a uniform acceleration due to gravity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The acceleration due to gravity ($g$) is approximately $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$ on the surface of Earth.
2. In free fall, all objects experience the same acceleration regardless of their mass.
3. The velocity of an object in free fall increases linearly over time with $v = g \cdot t$ if starting from rest.
4. The distance fallen by an object in free fall is given by $d = \frac{1}{2} g t^2$ if starting from rest.
5. Free fall can be analyzed using kinematic equations for uniformly accelerated motion.

Review Questions

• What is the value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface?
• Explain why two different masses fall at the same rate in free fall ignoring air resistance.
• Write down the kinematic equation for distance covered by an object in free fall starting from rest.

Related terms

Acceleration:

The rate of change of velocity with respect to time; in free fall, it equals $9.8 \text{ m/s}^2$.

Kinematic Equations:

Equations that describe the motion of objects without considering forces, often used to solve problems in uniformly accelerated motion.

Gravitational Force:

\(F = mg\), where \(m\) is mass and \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity; it acts downward toward Earth's center.