📚 Topic Summary
Free fall refers to the motion of an object solely under the influence of gravity. Neglecting air resistance, all objects in free fall near the Earth's surface experience a constant downward acceleration of approximately $9.8 \frac{m}{s^2}$. This value is often denoted by the symbol 'g'. Solving free fall problems involves using kinematic equations to relate displacement, initial velocity, final velocity, acceleration (g), and time.
Understanding the sign conventions is critical. Typically, we define 'up' as the positive direction and 'down' as the negative direction. Therefore, the acceleration due to gravity, 'g', is usually expressed as $-9.8 \frac{m}{s^2}$. This worksheet provides practice in applying these concepts and equations to various free fall scenarios.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match each term with its correct definition.
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Free Fall |
A. The rate of change of velocity. |
| 2. Acceleration |
B. The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth, or toward any other physical body having mass. |
| 3. Gravity |
C. The motion of an object under the sole influence of gravity. |
| 4. Initial Velocity |
D. The velocity of an object at the beginning of its motion. |
| 5. Final Velocity |
E. The velocity of an object at the end of its motion. |
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the missing words in the paragraph below.
When an object is in _______, the only force acting upon it is _______. Near the Earth's surface, the acceleration due to this force is approximately _______ $\frac{m}{s^2}$, often represented by the symbol _______. In the absence of _______, the object's _______ increases constantly during its descent.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain, in your own words, why the acceleration due to gravity is considered a constant value near the Earth's surface. What factors might cause it to vary slightly?