Free-fall

Definition

Free-fall is the motion of an object under the influence of gravitational force only, without any air resistance. In this state, the object accelerates downward at a constant rate due to gravity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In free-fall, the only force acting on the object is gravity.
2. The acceleration due to gravity is approximately $9.8 \, m/s^2$ on Earth.
3. An object in free-fall experiences uniform acceleration.
4. The velocity of a free-falling object increases linearly with time.
5. Free-fall can be described using Newton's Second Law of Motion: $F = ma$, where $F$ is the gravitational force, $m$ is mass, and $a$ is acceleration.

Review Questions

• What is the only force acting on an object in free-fall?
• What is the value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth?
• How does the velocity of a free-falling object change over time?

Related terms

Gravitational Force:

The attractive force that acts between any two masses. It pulls objects toward each other.

Acceleration: The rate at which an object's velocity changes with time. In free-fall, it is constant and equal to $9.8 \, m/s^2$.

Newton's Second Law of Motion: $F = ma$: The net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration.