Free Fall Conceptual Questions

Front

What is free fall?

Back

Free fall is any motion of a body where gravity is the only force acting upon it.

Front

In a vacuum, which object falls faster: a leaf or a stone?

Back

Both would accelerate at the same rate.

Front

What is the acceleration of an object in free fall?

Back

The acceleration is constant and equal to approximately 9.81 m/s², directed downward.

Front

What happens to the speed of a ball as it rises in free fall?

Back

The speed decreases until it reaches the highest point, where it momentarily stops.

Front

What happens to the speed of a ball as it falls in free fall?

Back

The speed increases as it falls due to the constant acceleration of gravity.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'constant acceleration' in free fall?

Back

It means that the object's acceleration does not change; it remains the same throughout the motion.

Front

What is the relationship between mass and acceleration in free fall?

Back

In free fall, all objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of their mass.

Front

What is the effect of air resistance on free fall?

Back

Air resistance opposes the motion and can affect the acceleration and speed of falling objects.

Front

What is terminal velocity?

Back

Terminal velocity is the constant speed an object reaches when the force of air resistance equals the force of gravity.

Front

How does the motion of a ball differ when it is thrown upward versus when it is falling down?

Back

In both cases, the ball experiences constant acceleration due to gravity, but its speed changes direction.