Free Fall

Definition

Free fall is the motion of an object under the sole influence of gravity, where the object experiences constant acceleration due to the Earth's gravitational pull. This term is particularly relevant in the context of understanding acceleration and how it can be represented through equations and graphs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During free fall, the only force acting on the object is the Earth's gravitational force, which results in a constant acceleration directed downward.
2. The acceleration due to gravity, denoted as 'g', has a value of approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface, and this value is often used in calculations involving free fall.
3. Objects in free fall experience the same acceleration, regardless of their mass, due to the principle of universality of free fall.
4. The motion of an object in free fall can be described using kinematic equations, which relate the object's position, velocity, and acceleration over time.
5. Graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration can be used to visualize and analyze the motion of an object in free fall, revealing the relationships between these quantities.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of free fall is related to the topic of acceleration.
  • The concept of free fall is directly related to the topic of acceleration because objects in free fall experience a constant acceleration due to the Earth's gravitational force. This acceleration, denoted as 'g', has a value of approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface and is the only force acting on the object during free fall. Understanding the constant acceleration experienced by objects in free fall is crucial for analyzing their motion and applying the appropriate kinematic equations.
• Describe how the motion of an object in free fall can be represented using equations and graphs.
  • The motion of an object in free fall can be represented using kinematic equations that relate the object's position, velocity, and acceleration over time. These equations, such as $v = u + at$ and $s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2$, where $v$ is final velocity, $u$ is initial velocity, $a$ is acceleration, $s$ is displacement, and $t$ is time, can be used to calculate the object's motion characteristics. Additionally, graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration can be used to visualize and analyze the relationships between these quantities for an object in free fall, revealing the constant acceleration experienced by the object.
• Analyze the factors that influence the motion of an object in free fall and explain how they are incorporated into the study of acceleration and its representation.
  • The motion of an object in free fall is influenced by a single factor: the Earth's gravitational acceleration, 'g'. This constant acceleration, directed downward, is the only force acting on the object during free fall, and it is a crucial component in the study of acceleration and its representation. The kinematic equations used to describe free fall motion incorporate the value of 'g' to calculate the object's position, velocity, and acceleration over time. Furthermore, the constancy of the acceleration due to gravity allows for the development of simplified models and the application of consistent principles in the analysis of free fall motion, which is essential for understanding the broader topic of acceleration and its graphical representation.

Related terms

Acceleration:

The rate of change in the velocity of an object, typically measured in units of distance per time squared (e.g., m/s²).

Gravitational Acceleration:

The acceleration experienced by an object due to the Earth's gravity, which has a constant value of approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface.

Projectile Motion:

The motion of an object that is launched into the air and follows a curved path under the influence of gravity and other forces.