The Fall Time To Distance Calculator helps determine how far an object has fallen based on the time it has been in free fall. This tool is extremely useful in physics, engineering, safety assessments, and even forensic reconstructions. It assumes the object falls straight down from rest and that air resistance is negligible. By simply entering the duration of the fall, users can calculate the vertical distance covered.
This calculator belongs to the physics and motion dynamics calculator category and serves students, educators, and professionals who need precise fall distance values from time-based measurements.
formula of Fall Time To Distance Calculator
Distance (s) = ½ × g × t²
Where:
- s = vertical distance (in meters or feet)
- g = acceleration due to gravity
≈ 9.81 m/s² (metric system)
≈ 32.174 ft/s² (imperial system) - t = time of the fall (in seconds)
Full Expanded Formula:
Metric system:
s = 0.5 × 9.81 × t²
Imperial system:
s = 0.5 × 32.174 × t²
This formula assumes:
- The fall begins from rest (initial velocity = 0)
- Gravity is constant
- Air resistance is ignored
Fall Time to Distance Conversion Table
| Fall Time (s) | Distance Fallen (m) | Distance Fallen (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.91 | 16.09 |
| 2 | 19.62 | 64.35 |
| 3 | 44.15 | 144.78 |
| 4 | 78.48 | 257.39 |
| 5 | 122.63 | 402.18 |
This table helps users quickly estimate how far an object would fall in a given time without manual calculation.
Example of Fall Time To Distance Calculator
Suppose an object falls freely for 3.5 seconds.
Using the metric system:
s = 0.5 × 9.81 × (3.5)²
s = 0.5 × 9.81 × 12.25 = 60.11 meters
Using the imperial system:
s = 0.5 × 32.174 × (3.5)²
s = 0.5 × 32.174 × 12.25 = 197.56 feet
So the object would fall approximately 60.11 meters or 197.56 feet in 3.5 seconds.
Most Common FAQs
Only partially. It assumes free fall without air resistance. For skydiving, air drag and terminal velocity must be considered, which are not part of this basic formula.
No, this formula applies only to vertical motion under gravity. For horizontal or projectile motion, you would need additional calculations involving initial velocity and angles.
The calculator simplifies the scenario for educational and theoretical use. Real-world conditions like drag and wind are complex and need advanced models.