1. What is Free Fall Velocity?

Free fall velocity is the speed attained by an object falling under the influence of gravity alone, neglecting air resistance. It represents the final velocity just before impact when dropped from a certain height.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the free fall velocity equation:

Where:

• \( v \) — Final velocity (m/s)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
• \( h \) — Drop height (meters)

Explanation: This equation derives from conservation of energy principles, where potential energy converts to kinetic energy during free fall.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating impact velocity is crucial for safety assessments, engineering design, accident reconstruction, and understanding the energy involved in falls from height.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the drop height in meters. The calculator assumes free fall conditions (no air resistance) and uses standard Earth gravity of 9.81 m/s².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, this calculation assumes ideal free fall without air resistance. Actual velocities may be lower due to air drag, especially for lighter objects or longer falls.

Q2: What is the typical velocity range?
A: For common heights (1-100 meters), velocities range from 4.4 m/s to 44.3 m/s (16-160 km/h).

Q3: How does mass affect the velocity?
A: In free fall without air resistance, mass does not affect velocity. All objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass.

Q4: When is this calculation not accurate?
A: This calculation becomes less accurate for very high falls (where air resistance becomes significant), in different gravitational fields, or for non-vertical falls.

Q5: Can this be used for safety calculations?
A: Yes, but for actual safety assessments, consider additional factors like impact surface, object orientation, and professional engineering analysis.