Force from Height Calculator
Enter the values of mass, m(kg), gravitational acceleration, g(m/s2), height, h(m), and distance, d(m) to determine the value of Force, F(N).
Force from Height Formula
The calculation of force from height is used to determine the force exerted by an object due to its gravitational potential energy being converted into kinetic energy as it falls from a certain height. This force can be calculated when the object impacts a surface, distributing the force over a distance.
Force, F(N) in Newtons, is calculated by multiplying the mass, m(kg) in kilograms by the acceleration due to gravity, g(m/s2) in metres per second squared and the height, h(m) in metres from which the object falls, then dividing by the distance, d(m) in metres over which the force is exerted.
Force, F(N) = m(kg) * g(m/s2) * h(m) / d(m)
F(N) = force in Newtons, N.
m(kg) = mass in kilograms, kg.
g(m/s2) = acceleration due to gravity in metres per second squared, m/s2, typically
9.81 m/s2 on Earth.
h(m) = height in metres, m.
d(m) = distance in metres, m.
Force from Height Calculation:
- Dropping a 5 kg weight from a height of 10 metres onto a cushion that compresses by 0.5 metres.
Given: m(kg) = 5kg, g(m/s2) = 9.81 m/s2, h(m) = 10m, d(m) = 0.5m.
Force, F(N) = m(kg) * g(m/s2) * h(m) / d(m)
F(N) = 5 * 9.81 * 10 / 0.5
F(N) = 981N.
- A 2 kg ball falls from a height of 3 metres onto a surface that acquires a force of 588.6N.
Given: m(kg) = 2kg, g(m/s2) = 9.81 m/s2, h(m) = 3m, F(N) = 588.6N.
Force, F(N) = m(kg) * g(m/s2) * h(m) / d(m)
d(m) = m(kg) * g(m/s2) * h(m) / F(N)
d(m) = 2 * 9.81 * 3 / 588.6
d(m) = 0.1m.