Physics
Time to fall
The time a dropped object takes to reach the ground, again independent of its mass.
The Formula
t = sqrt(2 x h / g)
The time a dropped object takes to reach the ground, again independent of its mass.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| t | Time to fall | s | Seconds from release to landing. |
| h | Height | m | Height the object fell from. |
| g | Gravitational acceleration | m/s^2 | About 9.80665 near the Earth's surface. |
What Each Symbol Means
ts
Time to fall
Seconds from release to landing.
hm
Height
Height the object fell from.
gm/s^2
Gravitational acceleration
About 9.80665 near the Earth's surface.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate potential energy 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 Potential Energy, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.