What do you mean by free fall?

Free fall is a term used in physics to describe the motion of an object falling under the sole influence of gravity. In this scenario, the object is not subjected to any forces apart from gravity itself, assuming the absence of air resistance or other significant forces.

Key points regarding free fall:

1. Gravity’s Effect: Objects in free fall experience an acceleration directed towards the center of the Earth solely due to gravity. Near the Earth’s surface, this acceleration is approximately 9.8 m/s² and is often denoted as ‘g’. It causes the object’s speed to increase at a constant rate.

2. Absence of Resistance: Ideally, free fall occurs in a vacuum or in situations where the effects of air resistance or other external forces are negligible. In such conditions, the object’s motion is primarily governed by gravity, allowing for a more straightforward analysis of its behavior.

3. Uniform Acceleration: Under free fall conditions, the object experiences uniform acceleration throughout its descent. This means that its velocity changes by the same amount per second, resulting in a steady increase in speed.

Free fall is crucial in understanding the fundamental principles of gravitational interactions and motion. It serves as a foundational concept for various scientific applications, including studies related to projectile motion, gravitational forces, and celestial mechanics. While ideal free fall conditions are rarely encountered in the real world due to factors like air resistance, the concept aids in simplifying calculations and models related to falling objects under the influence of gravity.