1. What is the Distance Under Gravity Equation?

The distance under gravity equation calculates how far an object falls under constant gravitational acceleration when air resistance is negligible. It's derived from the kinematic equations of motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the equation:

Where:

• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
• \( t \) — Time of fall (seconds)

Explanation: The equation shows that distance fallen increases with the square of time under constant acceleration.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: This calculation is fundamental in physics, engineering, and safety calculations for falling objects. It's used in everything from designing amusement park rides to calculating impact speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth) and time in seconds. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this account for air resistance?
A: No, this is the idealized equation for free fall in a vacuum. Real-world falls reach terminal velocity due to air resistance.

Q2: What's the value of g on other planets?
A: g varies - about 3.71 m/s² on Mars, 24.79 m/s² on Jupiter, and 1.62 m/s² on the Moon.

Q3: Can this calculate horizontal distance?
A: No, this only calculates vertical distance under gravity. Horizontal motion requires additional calculations.

Q4: What if the object starts with initial velocity?
A: The full equation would be \( d = v_0t + \frac{1}{2}gt^2 \), where \( v_0 \) is initial velocity.

Q5: How accurate is this for everyday objects?
A: Reasonably accurate for short falls of dense objects, but becomes less accurate for light objects or long falls due to air resistance.