Free Fall Physics Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
A stone is dropped from a cliff. How far does it fall in 3 s3 \text{ s}? Use g=9.8 m/s2g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

Solution

  1. 1
    Initial velocity: v0=0v_0 = 0 (dropped from rest).
  2. 2
    Use the free-fall displacement equation: d=v0t+12gt2d = v_0 t + \frac{1}{2}gt^2.
  3. 3
    d=0+12(9.8)(9)=44.1 md = 0 + \frac{1}{2}(9.8)(9) = 44.1 \text{ m}

Answer

d=44.1 md = 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 m/s2g = 9.8 \text{ m/s}^2.

About Free Fall

Motion under gravity alone, with no air resistance — all objects in free fall accelerate at g≈9.81g \approx 9.81 m/s² regardless of mass.

Learn more about Free Fall →

More Free Fall Examples

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Example 4 medium

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