{"id":2217,"date":"2022-12-10T18:21:14","date_gmt":"2022-12-10T18:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.praxilabs.com\/?p=2217"},"modified":"2025-08-22T21:36:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T21:36:08","slug":"free-fall-comprehensive-equations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Free Fall Experiment: A Comprehensive Guide (with Equations)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Have you ever dreamed of defying gravity? That dream can now become a reality with the free-fall experiment. This experiment is a great way to learn about the principles of gravity, acceleration, and the conservation of energy. It is also a really fun and interactive way to explore one of the most fundamental laws of nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2218 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-zero-gravity-300x213.jpeg\" alt=\"Free Fall Experiment\" width=\"300\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-zero-gravity-300x213.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-zero-gravity-1024x727.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-zero-gravity-768x545.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-zero-gravity.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of the experiment, help you understand the equations involved, and discuss why it works the way it does. In no time, you will be ready to take on the challenge of creating your own free-fall experiment.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#What_is_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\" >What is the Free Fall Experiment?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#The_Physics_Behind_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\" >The Physics Behind the Free Fall Experiment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Method_Steps_for_Conducting_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\" >Method &amp; Steps for Conducting the Free Fall Experiment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Mathematics_Free_Fall_Formulas_and_Equations\" >Mathematics! Free Fall Formulas and Equations<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Free_Fall_Acceleration_Formula\" >Free Fall Acceleration Formula<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Calculating_the_Initial_Velocity\" >Calculating the Initial Velocity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Calculating_the_Acceleration_g\" >Calculating the Acceleration (g)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Free_Fall_Velocity_Formula\" >Free Fall Velocity Formula<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Free_Fall_Distance_Formula\" >Free Fall Distance Formula<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Free_Fall_Motion_Examples\" >Free Fall Motion Examples<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Apples_and_oranges_tumbling_from_the_branches_overhead\" >Apples and oranges tumbling from the branches overhead<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#A_rock_that_comes_faltering_down_a_slope\" >A rock that comes faltering down a slope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#A_spacecraft_that_continues_to_circle_around_in_its_trajectory\" >A spacecraft that continues to circle around in its trajectory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#The_charred_remains_of_an_incense_stick\" >The charred remains of an incense stick<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Individuals_who_partake_in_the_activity_of_skydiving\" >Individuals who partake in the activity of skydiving<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Extremely_Brave_or_Insanely_Stupid_A_Look_at_the_Highest_Free_Fall_Ever_Recorded\" >Extremely Brave or Insanely Stupid? A Look at the Highest Free Fall Ever Recorded<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/2022\/12\/10\/free-fall-comprehensive-equations\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>What is the Free Fall Experiment?<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The free fall experiment is designed to demonstrate the effects of gravity on objects in free fall and the conservation of energy in such a scenario. Both concepts are fundamental to the workings of the universe. The free fall experiment is a great way to explore the principles of gravity, acceleration, and the conservation of energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Essentially, the experiment involves dropping two different objects (such as a bowling ball and a tennis ball) from the same vertical height and measuring how far they fall. Since the size and mass of the two objects should be the same, the only difference should be the rate of their fall due to gravity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If a second experiment is performed with the same objects, but this time the experimenter allows the objects to fall with a slight initial speed, the rate of fall will be faster. This additional speed will be due to the energy that was used to accelerate the objects to their falling speed. The energy used to accelerate the objects is converted into kinetic energy of motion. The amount of kinetic energy gained is equal to the amount of energy that was used to accelerate the objects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The free fall experiment can be performed anywhere and does not require any special equipment. This is why it is a very common experiment in physics classrooms. It is an example of a classic physics lab experiment. It is also a great example of how scientists use basic physics concepts to understand and explore the world around them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>Try PraxiLabs <a href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/virtual-physics-lab\">Virtual Physics Lab<\/a> to test Free Fall simulations<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Physics_Behind_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>The Physics Behind the Free Fall Experiment<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">To understand the physics behind the free fall experiment, it is important to understand the following three concepts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Gravity\u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a force that attracts any two objects towards each other. These objects do not need to be touching for this force to be in effect. You can see the effect of gravity when you drop a ball to the ground &#8211; the ball accelerates towards the ground because of the force of gravity.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Acceleration\u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the rate at which something\u2019s speed changes. For example, if you step on the gas pedal in your car and your speed increases, your car is accelerating towards a higher speed. On the other hand, if you step on the brake and your speed decreases, your car is decelerating towards a lower speed. The rate of change in speed is known as your acceleration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Conservation of energy\u2013<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> this principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be transformed from one form to another! For example, when you drop a ball, the energy inside the ball is translated into kinetic energy or the energy of motion. The ball loses some of its potential energy (i.e. its energy due to its position) and gains some kinetic energy. If you let the ball fall to the ground, it will lose all of its kinetic energy and come to a complete stop at the bottom. The lost potential energy is transformed into sound energy (i.e. the sound of the ball hitting the ground) and heat energy (i.e. the heat created from the sound energy colliding with the ground).<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The free fall experiment is a great example of how these concepts work hand in hand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_Steps_for_Conducting_the_Free_Fall_Experiment\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Method &amp; Steps for Conducting the Free Fall Experiment<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To successfully conduct the free fall experiment, follow the following instructions:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, you will need to select the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">location<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where you will experiment. Ideally, the location will have a consistent weather pattern and minimal air traffic.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Once you have found a suitable location, mark a line on the ground that extends out at least 100 meters (328 feet).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Now you will need to gather your materials. You will need a ball, a timer, a stopwatch, and a ruler or measuring tape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The next step is to set up a data table. This table will allow you to record and organize data from your experiment in a consistent and organized manner. Your data table will have room for you to record at least the following information:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Distance (in meters).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Time (in seconds).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Once you have gathered all your materials and set up your data table, you can experiment. This part of the experiment is very straightforward. All you have to do is drop the ball from the marked line and time how long it takes the ball to reach the ground.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">At the end of the experiment, you will have to use a little math to figure out some of the values that you recorded during the experiment. But do not worry, we will walk you through the math required. Then, once you have calculated all your values, you can interpret your results.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mathematics_Free_Fall_Formulas_and_Equations\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Mathematics! Free Fall Formulas and Equations<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Three<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> mathematical formulas for free fall are crucial to understand the experiment:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The free fall acceleration formula.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The free fall distance formula.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The free fall velocity formula.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Let\u2019s take a closer look at each one!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Fall_Acceleration_Formula\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Free Fall Acceleration Formula<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The acceleration due to gravity is 9.80665 m\/s<\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or approximately 9.81 m\/s<\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which means that a free-falling object will reach a speed of 9.81 m\/s in only one second. At the moment the object is dropped, it will have a speed of 0 m\/s. The object will then travel at a constant speed of 9.81 m\/s until it hits the ground.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a stopwatch handy, you can measure the time it takes for an object to fall from a certain height and plug that time into the equations to determine the acceleration due to gravity at the location where you experimented. Also, the <\/span><b>slope<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your final <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=K6dMoyM2B-A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">graphs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">distance<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vs. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/i><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\/2, or velocity <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vs.<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> time<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) results in a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">straight<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> line that indicates the value of g, the acceleration due to gravity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2220 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-motion-acceleration-due-to-gravity-slope-of-graph-300x215.png\" alt=\"Free Fall Experiment\" width=\"300\" height=\"215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-motion-acceleration-due-to-gravity-slope-of-graph-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-motion-acceleration-due-to-gravity-slope-of-graph-1024x734.png 1024w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-motion-acceleration-due-to-gravity-slope-of-graph-768x551.png 768w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-motion-acceleration-due-to-gravity-slope-of-graph.png 1124w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2221 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-graph-2-300x166.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"322\" height=\"178\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-graph-2-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-graph-2-768x425.png 768w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/free-fall-graph-2.png 852w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Calculating_the_Initial_Velocity\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Calculating the Initial Velocity<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial velocity of a falling object \u2013denoted as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0<\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 is:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cthe speed the object is traveling when it is released.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initial velocity does not change during the experiment, but the final velocity does. Both initial and final velocities are measured in meters per second (m\/s). The initial velocity of a falling object is always equal to <\/span><b>zero, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if the object is starting its movement from a position of rest. Thus, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0<\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">=0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Calculating_the_Acceleration_g\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Calculating the Acceleration (g)<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To calculate the acceleration due to gravity, you need the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">distance<\/span><\/i> <i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(s)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> the object fell and the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">time (t)<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> it took the object to fall. The equation below will allow you to do this:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s = g (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><sup>2<\/sup>\/<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Fall_Velocity_Formula\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Free Fall Velocity Formula<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The final velocity is<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cthe speed at which the object is moving when it hits the ground.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The equation below will allow you to calculate the final velocity of a free-falling object.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">where<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>g:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">acceleration due to gravity.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>v<\/b><sub><b>0<\/b><\/sub><b>:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">initial velocity.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>v:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">final velocity.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>t:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">time of the free falling object to hit the ground.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another formula to be used if the both the initial velocity (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0<\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and the distance (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) covered in a certain time interval (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) are known, is given as follows:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2 <\/span><\/sup><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">= (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">0<\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<sup>2 <\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; 2 g s<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Fall_Distance_Formula\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Free Fall Distance Formula<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The distance traveled during free fall is<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cthe distance between the initial starting point and the final ending point.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The equation below will allow you to calculate the distance (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) traveled during free fall, only if both the average velocity (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avg<\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and the time interval (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) are known. That is to say:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">s = <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">v<\/span><sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">avg <\/span><\/sub><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">t<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">while<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2222\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screenshot-2022-12-10-at-7.24.57-PM.png\" alt=\"free fall equations\" width=\"123\" height=\"60\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">hence,<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2223 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screenshot-2022-12-10-at-7.27.52-PM-300x218.png\" alt=\"free fall equations\" width=\"164\" height=\"119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screenshot-2022-12-10-at-7.27.52-PM-300x218.png 300w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Screenshot-2022-12-10-at-7.27.52-PM.png 344w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 164px) 100vw, 164px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Trajectories<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one application of free fall motion. A trajectory is<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cthe path that a moving object follows through space, which is often a curved path.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">In physics, the term trajectory refers to the path of a moving point in space, which can be curved. The term does not necessarily have to do with a physical move \u2014 it can be used for describing the path that a thought pattern follows through someone\u2019s mind. A trajectory can be thought of as a curved path that a satellite, comet, planet, or other astronomical object follows as it moves through space.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2224\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2224\" style=\"width: 341px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2224\" src=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/flight_trajectory-free-fall-300x232.jpeg\" alt=\"trajectory and free fall\" width=\"341\" height=\"264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/flight_trajectory-free-fall-300x232.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/flight_trajectory-free-fall-768x594.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/flight_trajectory-free-fall.jpeg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 341px) 100vw, 341px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2224\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/span> <span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">(Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov\/resources\/30\/grace-flight-trajectory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory<\/a>)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Free_Fall_Motion_Examples\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Free Fall Motion Examples<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Apples_and_oranges_tumbling_from_the_branches_overhead\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Apples and oranges tumbling from the branches overhead<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The amazing spectacle of a fruit dropping from its tree is a clear illustration of free-fall motion. As the fruit ripens, the gravitational force of the earth pulls it away from the tree, causing it to drop in an exciting free-fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: disc;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_rock_that_comes_faltering_down_a_slope\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>A rock that comes faltering down a slope<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">A stone set atop a hill or a place of considerable height possesses considerable potential energy. When a force is exerted to move the stone downwards, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. The stone is then dragged by the pull of gravity towards the ground, making it a classic instance of free-fall motion.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_spacecraft_that_continues_to_circle_around_in_its_trajectory\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>A spacecraft that continues to circle around in its trajectory<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Continuous orbiting of a spacecraft is a perfect demonstration of free-fall motion. This motion permits the spacecraft to move in a steady trajectory without any disruptions; yet once the propulsion system is turned on, the free-fall is disrupted and a thrust is generated that accelerates the spacecraft.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_charred_remains_of_an_incense_stick\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>The charred remains of an incense stick<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">After being lit, an incense stick is reduced to ash, which is then drawn towards the earth due to gravity. This shows that the phenomenon of free-fall is naturally occurring in our day-to-day lives, providing a thrilling scientific example.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Individuals_who_partake_in_the_activity_of_skydiving\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Individuals who partake in the activity of skydiving<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Sky diving is one of the most exhilarating activities that utilizes free fall for entertainment purposes. The diver leaps from an aircraft from a great height in the sky, and then the gravitational force of the planet brings them to the ground, allowing them to experience the sensation of free fall.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extremely_Brave_or_Insanely_Stupid_A_Look_at_the_Highest_Free_Fall_Ever_Recorded\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Extremely Brave or Insanely Stupid? A Look at the Highest Free Fall Ever Recorded<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">You may have already studied the free fall equation, but it&#8217;s a different sensation to really feel it. There are plenty of ways to get a rush of the thrill of a free fall, such as bungee jumping or parachuting. However, these falls do not follow all the rules of a true free fall, since there is air resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To experience the actual sensation, it is only possible in a vacuum. Nevertheless, you can get very close to the proper experience here on Earth! One of the most extreme instances of a nearly-accurate free fall was when Dr. Alan Eustace, Google&#8217;s VP of Knowledge, jumped from a thrilling height of 41,425 m in 2014. This set <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a new record for a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=JqhlBDryX6E&amp;t=6s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">parachute jump<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amazingly, Eustace chose to go it alone, funding the project himself instead of taking Google&#8217;s offer of assistance. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This remarkable journey<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was no easy feat, and he had to ascend in a special balloon and don a custom-made suit to shield himself from the drastic temperature changes at the edge of space. His descent lasted for 15 minutes, during which time he experienced speeds greater than 1288 kilometers per hour, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">breaching the sound barrier!<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Free Fall Experiment<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">There are a few common mistakes you may want to avoid when conducting your free fall experiment. Such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Using different masses for the bowling ball and the tennis ball. Ideally, both objects should have the same mass so the only difference is their size and shape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Not using a consistent surface for the balls to fall on. The balls should fall on a smooth surface, in order for them to experience the least amount of air resistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Not using an identical release height for the balls. Both balls should be released from the same height to account for differences in air velocity and wind.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Not taking the shape and size of the bowling ball into account. Since the bowling ball should be spherical and have a small cross-sectional area.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/3d-simulations\/free-fall-virtual-lab-physics-simulation\">free fall experiment<\/a> is a great way to explore the effects of gravity on objects of different masses and how they impact the rate at which they fall. It is also a great way to explore the concept of the conservation of energy. The only difference between this experiment and falling objects in real life is that in this experiment, you are in control of the starting speed of the falling objects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">If you are in high school or college and are looking for a project, the free fall experiment is a great choice. It is relatively easy to set up and understand, and it is also a very fun and engaging experiment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><strong>PraxiLabs Virtual Labs include a range of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/3d-science-simulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3D science experiments<\/a>\u00a0in physics, chemistry and biology experiments<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever dreamed of defying gravity? That dream can now become a reality with the free-fall experiment. This experiment is a great way to learn about the principles of gravity, acceleration, and the conservation of energy. It is also a really fun and interactive way to explore one of the most fundamental laws of &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-physics"],"modified_by":"Muhamed Elmesery","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2217"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4096,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2217\/revisions\/4096"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2217"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2217"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/praxilabs.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2217"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}