Free fall

An object is said to be in ‘free fall’ when it moves only under the effect of gravity. The acceleration (denoted by \(g\)) due to gravity is almost constant near the surface of the earth, and it is about \(\boldsymbol{9.8}\) m/s² [Downward]. It is slightly higher as we go near the centre of the earth (e.g., at the north and south poles) and slightly lower as we go father (e.g., at the equator).

At relatively low speeds, air resistance to motion is negligible, so for all practical purposes we consider falling near the surface of the earth to be free fall.