freefall

Freefall occurs when an object moves downward solely under the influence of gravity, with no other forces like air resistance significantly affecting its motion. In this state, the object accelerates downward at a standard rate of approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s²). If air resistance is minimal, such as in vacuum conditions, the object continues to accelerate until reaching terminal velocity or hitting the ground. Essentially, freefall is the natural acceleration experienced when gravity is the only force acting on an object in motion toward Earth.