Free fall motion is the movement of an object under the influence of gravity alone. In this type of motion, no other forces like air resistance act on the object. The object experiences a constant downward acceleration equal to g, which is approximately nine point eight meters per second squared.
Free fall motion has several key characteristics. First, the initial velocity can be zero or non-zero. Second, the acceleration is constant at nine point eight meters per second squared. Third, the direction is always downward. Finally, the motion is independent of the object's mass. Let's observe how velocity increases as the object falls.
Free fall motion can be described using three key equations. The velocity equation shows how velocity changes with time. The position equation describes displacement over time. The velocity-position equation relates velocity to displacement. These equations assume the initial velocity can be zero or any value, and acceleration is constant at g.
Free fall motion occurs in many real-world situations. When you drop a ball, an apple falls from a tree, or a skydiver jumps before opening their parachute, they all experience free fall. Even when you throw an object vertically upward, it experiences free fall on its way down. In ideal conditions, we neglect air resistance to focus on gravity's effect.
To summarize what we've learned about free fall motion: It occurs when only gravity acts on an object, creating constant downward acceleration. The motion is independent of mass and can be described using three fundamental equations. Free fall is common in everyday situations and forms the foundation for understanding gravitational motion.