Physics
Time to fall a given height
Derived from the constant acceleration distance formula with a starting speed of zero.
The Formula
t = sqrt(2 x h / g)
Derived from the constant acceleration distance formula with a starting speed of zero.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| t | Time | s | Seconds spent falling from rest. |
| h | Height | m | Distance dropped, in metres. |
| g | Gravity | m/s2 | Acceleration due to gravity, about 9.81. |
What Each Symbol Means
ts
Time
Seconds spent falling from rest.
hm
Height
Distance dropped, in metres.
gm/s2
Gravity
Acceleration due to gravity, about 9.81.
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.