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Free Fall

Definition

Free fall occurs when an object falls under the sole influence of gravity, without any other forces acting upon it. During free fall, all objects experience acceleration due to gravity at approximately 9.8 m/s².

Analogy

Imagine jumping off a diving board with no air resistance or other forces acting on you. That feeling of weightlessness and constant acceleration is similar to free fall.

Related terms

Terminal Velocity: Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object can reach while falling through a fluid, such as air. It occurs when the force of gravity equals the force of air resistance.

Projectile Motion: Projectile motion refers to the curved path followed by an object launched into the air that experiences only the force of gravity and no other horizontal forces.

Acceleration due to Gravity: Acceleration due to gravity is the rate at which an object accelerates towards Earth under the influence of gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s² near its surface.