Free-Fall Distance
Free-Fall Distance
A body dropped from rest falls a distance that grows with the square of time — the classic constant-acceleration result.
The distance is d = ½·g·t². where g is the gravitational acceleration and t the time.
Inputs
g := 9.81 m/s^2=9.81 m/s^2
t := 3 s=3 s
Apply the constant-acceleration distance formula.
d := 0.5·g·t^2=44.15 m
Results
After 3 s an object has fallen about 44 m. The square dependence means most of the distance is covered in the later part of the fall.
Assumptions & limitations
- Starts from rest.
- No air resistance.
- Constant gravity.