Wondering where the distance formula from acceleration due to gravity comes from

In summary, the distance formula for acceleration due to gravity is <strong>d = 1/2 * g * t^2</strong>, where d is the distance traveled, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2 on Earth), and t is the time. This formula is derived from the basic physics equation <strong>d = v0 * t + 1/2 * a * t^2</strong>, where v0 is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration. The letter 'g' is used to represent acceleration due to gravity because it is a constant value (9.8 m/s^2) and is derived from the word "gravity". It can be used for objects falling from
  • #1
Icedfire01
4
0
Pretty much like the title says. I'm having a hard time finding where the formula: d=1/2gt^2 comes from. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
If a=g, then integrate twice with respect to time !
 
  • #3
That's almost right. When you integrate twice you pick up two arbitrary constants of integration. To really derive the formula you would have to solve the following initial value problem:

[tex]\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}=-g[/tex]

[tex]y(0)=0[/tex]

[tex]y'(0)=0[/tex].
 

FAQ: Wondering where the distance formula from acceleration due to gravity comes from

1. What is the distance formula for acceleration due to gravity?

The distance formula for acceleration due to gravity is d = 1/2 * g * t^2, where d is the distance traveled, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2 on Earth), and t is the time.

2. How is the distance formula derived?

The distance formula for acceleration due to gravity is derived from the basic physics equation d = v0 * t + 1/2 * a * t^2, where v0 is the initial velocity and a is the acceleration. In the case of free fall due to gravity, the initial velocity is 0 and the acceleration is g, resulting in the simplified formula d = 1/2 * g * t^2.

3. Why is the acceleration due to gravity represented by the letter 'g'?

The letter 'g' is used to represent acceleration due to gravity because it is the standard symbol for acceleration and is derived from the word "gravity". It is also a constant value (9.8 m/s^2) that is universally recognized in physics.

4. Can the distance formula be used for objects falling from any height?

Yes, the distance formula for acceleration due to gravity can be used for objects falling from any height. This is because the formula takes into account the time of the fall, which is independent of the height.

5. Is the distance formula for acceleration due to gravity affected by air resistance?

Yes, the distance formula for acceleration due to gravity does not account for air resistance, which can affect the actual distance traveled by an object in free fall. The formula assumes that the object is falling in a vacuum, where there is no air resistance. In real-life scenarios, air resistance may decrease the acceleration due to gravity and therefore affect the distance traveled.

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