Free Fall Examples in Physics

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Free Fall.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Physics.

Concept Recap

Motion under the influence of gravity alone, with no air resistance acting on the object.

A dropped ball accelerates at the same rate regardless of its mass.

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Gravity gives the same acceleration to all objects in a vacuum, regardless of mass.

Common stuck point: Heavier objects fall at the same rate as lighter ones (ignoring air).

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
A stone is dropped from a cliff. How far does it fall in 3 \text{ s}? Use g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Solution

  1. 1
    Initial velocity: v_0 = 0 (dropped from rest).
  2. 2
    Use the free-fall displacement equation: d = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2}gt^2.
  3. 3
    d = 0 + \frac{1}{2}(9.8)(9) = 44.1 \text{ m}

Answer

d = 44.1 \text{ m}
In free fall, the only force acting is gravity. All objects fall at the same rate regardless of mass (ignoring air resistance), accelerating at g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Example 2

medium
A ball is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 20 \text{ m/s}. How high does it go, and how long until it returns? Use g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

easy
An object is dropped from a height of 80 \text{ m}. How long does it take to hit the ground? Use g = 10 \text{ m/s}^2.

Example 2

medium
A ball is thrown straight up with an initial velocity of 20 \text{ m/s}. Using g = 10 \text{ m/s}^2: (a) How long until it reaches its highest point? (b) What maximum height does it reach? (c) What is its velocity when it returns to the starting height?
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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

acceleration