Why Does an Object in Free Fall Cover More Distance Than Expected at 10 m/s²?

[AbsoluteZer0]

Hi,

As I understand, the distance covered by an object in free fall is described as d = \frac{1}{2}gt² or d = 5t² on earth. Objects accelerate at 10 m/s².

Using the first equation, if an object has fallen for 5 seconds then it has covered a distance of 125 meters. If objects, however, accelerate at 10 m/s², then why hasn't the object fallen 50 meters?

Thanks,

 

[haruspex]

Accelerating at 10m/s² for 5 seconds means you reach 50m/s. But you started off stationary, so your average speed has been 25m/s. In 5 seconds at and average of 25m/s you cover 125 m.

 

[willem2]

As I understand, the distance covered by an object in free fall is described as d = \frac{1}{2}gt² or d = 5t² on earth. Objects accelerate at 10 m/s².

Using the first equation, if an object has fallen for 5 seconds then it has covered a distance of 125 meters. If objects, however, accelerate at 10 m/s², then why hasn't the object fallen 50 meters?

If an object accelerates at 10 m/s², this means that the speed after 5 seconds is 50 m/s (if the initial speed was zero). Acceleration tells you how fast the speed changes, not how fast the position changes.