Body Falling in a Vacuum

Velocity & Acceleration

Question 1

Starting with eqns. (1.1) and (1.3), find the velocity of a sphere (in m/s and mi/hr) falling in a vacuum 10 seconds after the fall is initiated from rest.

Question 2

The actual free-fall time of a skydiver is about 10 s. What is the velocity of a skydiver after a 10s free-fall in a vacuum?

Question 3

How far does a sphere fall in a vacuum in 10 seconds assuming the sphere began its fall from rest?

Question 4

How far has the sphere fallen when its velocity is 50 m/s?

Question 5

What is the velocity of the sphere in m/s after it has fallen 3000m?

Question 6

The functions in eqns (2.5) and (1.2) show how the velocity and acceleration of a sphere (or any other object) falling in a vacuum depend on y, the distance fallen.

Sketch the graphs of the functions on the appropriate coordinate axes below. Pressing the left mouse button enables the arrow to trace out a curve.

Compare your graphs with the actual solution curves which can be obtained by clicking on "START" on the left side of the page.

If there is no agreement, assess why this is so.


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