Formula Used:
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Final velocity in free fall refers to the speed of an object at a specific point during its free fall motion under gravity, given its initial velocity and displacement. This calculation is fundamental in physics for understanding motion under constant acceleration.
The calculator uses the kinematic equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation derives from the kinematic equations of motion and calculates the final velocity of an object under constant gravitational acceleration.
Details: Calculating final velocity is essential for predicting object motion, designing safety systems, analyzing projectile motion, and understanding energy conservation in mechanical systems.
Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s and displacement in meters. Both values must be non-negative. The calculator uses standard gravitational acceleration of 9.80665 m/s².
Q1: What if the initial velocity is zero?
A: If initial velocity is zero, the formula simplifies to \( v_f = \sqrt{2 \cdot g \cdot d} \), which is the velocity after falling distance d from rest.
Q2: Does this work for upward motion?
A: Yes, but displacement should be measured from the starting point. For upward motion, the final velocity will decrease as the object moves against gravity.
Q3: Why use 9.80665 m/s² for gravity?
A: This is the standard gravitational acceleration on Earth's surface. The value may vary slightly depending on location and altitude.
Q4: What are the units for this calculation?
A: All inputs should be in SI units: meters for displacement and meters per second for velocity.
Q5: Can this be used for non-vertical motion?
A: This specific formula is for motion along the direction of gravity. For projectile motion, components must be calculated separately.