Physics
Impact speed
Speed grows linearly because acceleration is constant. It does not depend on the object's mass.
The Formula
v = g x t
Speed grows linearly because acceleration is constant. It does not depend on the object's mass.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| v | Impact speed | m/s | Speed just before landing. |
| g | Gravity | m/s2 | Acceleration due to gravity, about 9.81. |
| t | Time | s | Seconds spent falling. |
What Each Symbol Means
vm/s
Impact speed
Speed just before landing.
gm/s2
Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity, about 9.81.
ts
Time
Seconds spent falling.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate free fall page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Free Fall, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.