Velocity Formula:
Definition: This calculator computes the final velocity of an object in free fall based on height and gravitational acceleration.
Purpose: It helps physics students, engineers, and scientists determine the speed of falling objects under gravity.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the velocity an object reaches after falling a certain distance under constant acceleration due to gravity.
Details: Understanding free-fall velocity is crucial for physics experiments, engineering designs, safety calculations, and various scientific applications.
Tips: Enter the height in meters and gravitational acceleration (default 9.81 m/s² for Earth). All values must be > 0.
Q1: Why is gravity 9.81 m/s²?
A: This is the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface. It varies slightly by location.
Q2: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, this is the theoretical maximum velocity without considering air resistance or other forces.
Q3: What if I'm calculating for another planet?
A: Simply change the gravity value to that planet's gravitational acceleration (e.g., 3.71 m/s² for Mars).
Q4: Can I use this for horizontal motion?
A: No, this formula specifically calculates velocity from vertical free-fall under gravity.
Q5: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses meters for height and meters/second² for gravity, resulting in meters/second for velocity.