Distance covered in free fall

The average speed after 5 seconds is 25 m/s, which means the object has covered a distance of 125 meters. In summary, the distance covered by an object in free fall can be described using the equations d = \frac{1}{2}gt2 or d = 5t2 on earth. Objects accelerate at a rate of 10 m/s2 and after 5 seconds, the object's average speed is 25 m/s and it has covered a distance of 125 meters. The acceleration of an object does not directly affect its position, but rather its speed.
  • #1
AbsoluteZer0
125
1
Hi,

As I understand, the distance covered by an object in free fall is described as d = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]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,
 
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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
AbsoluteZer0 said:
As I understand, the distance covered by an object in free fall is described as d = [itex]\frac{1}{2}[/itex]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.
 

1. How is the distance covered in free fall calculated?

The distance covered in free fall is calculated using the formula d = 1/2 * g * t^2, where d is the distance, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and t is the time in seconds.

2. Does the mass of an object affect the distance it covers in free fall?

No, the mass of an object does not affect the distance it covers in free fall. This is because all objects, regardless of their mass, experience the same acceleration due to gravity.

3. What is the difference between free fall and terminal velocity?

In free fall, an object is accelerating due to the force of gravity and will continue to do so until it reaches the ground or encounters air resistance. Terminal velocity occurs when the force of air resistance is equal to the force of gravity, causing the object to stop accelerating and reach a constant speed.

4. Can an object reach an infinite distance in free fall?

No, an object cannot reach an infinite distance in free fall. This is because as the object falls, it will eventually reach its terminal velocity due to air resistance, causing it to stop accelerating and cover a constant distance.

5. How does air resistance affect the distance covered in free fall?

Air resistance can significantly affect the distance covered in free fall. As an object falls, it will encounter air molecules that will push against it, causing it to slow down and reach its terminal velocity sooner. This means that the object will cover a shorter distance compared to if it were in a vacuum with no air resistance.

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