The gravity of the earth attracts every object towards its centre. When an object is dropped from a certain height, it begins to fall towards Earth’s surface under the influence of gravitational force. Such a motion of an object is called free fall.
Definition
Free fall is defined as when a body is moving only under the influence of the earth’s gravity. Since external force is acting on the ball, the motion will be accelerated. This free-fall acceleration is also known as acceleration due to gravity.
Example
Listed below are a few examples of free fall
- A stone falling in an empty well
- The ball is thrown in a projectile motion
- A spacecraft in continuous orbit