Final answer:
Free fall is the motion of an object influenced only by gravity, with all objects falling at the same rate regardless of mass. The equation for free fall speed is v = gt, and the distance an object falls without an initial velocity can be found using y = 1/2 * gt². Real free-falling bodies are affected by air resistance, which eventually causes them to reach their terminal speed.
Step-by-step explanation:
FREE FALL:
What is free fall?
Free fall is the motion of an object solely under the influence of gravity, with no other forces acting on it.
Free Falling Bodies: All objects fall at the same rate, no matter what their mass is.
Objects fall with the same acceleration (not force).
A large mass has a greater force of gravity acting on it, but a small mass has a lesser force of gravity.
Free Fall SPEED:
Speed changes by 9.8 m/s, every second.
Acceleration due to gravity.
9.8 m/s^2 on Earth (negative because it is directed downward).
It is different in other locations and on different planets.
What's the equation for free fall speed?
The equation for free fall speed is v = gt, where:
v is the final velocity,
g is the acceleration due to gravity, and
t is the time of free fall.
Free Fall with Upward Motion:
Speed still changes by 9.8 m/s every second.
Speed at the top of the path is 0 m/s.
+ velocities mean it is going upward.
− velocities mean it is going downward.
Free Fall DISTANCE - zero initial speed:
After every second, the distance increases (greater and greater).
Increasing distance means it has fallen that far.
Remember that time is squared (for the first equation).
What is the distance equation? (when an initial velocity is not given?)
The distance equation is d = 0.5gt^2, where:
d is the distance,
g is the acceleration due to gravity, and
t is the time of free fall.
What is the distance equation (When an initial velocity is given?)
The distance equation is d = vt + 0.5gt^2, where:
d is the distance,
v is the initial velocity,
g is the acceleration due to gravity, and
t is the time of free fall.
What is the formula for average speed?
The formula for average speed is average speed = (initial velocity + final velocity) / 2.
What are the steps to solving a Free Fall Distance problem? (Meets lvl)
Identify the known values: initial velocity, final velocity, time, and acceleration due to gravity.
Choose the appropriate equation based on the information given.
Substitute the known values into the equation.
Solve for the unknown variable.
Real Free-Falling Bodies:
Air resistance makes objects fall differently.
Increases as you move faster.
Greatly affects lighter objects (less mass).
Does not affect heavier objects as much (more mass).
Objects on Earth will eventually reach their terminal speed.
What is Terminal Speed?
Gravity and air resistance balance each other out.
Net force = 0.
Moves at a constant speed.