Introduction
Free fall is a concept in physics that refers to the motion of an object under the sole influence of gravity. In this article, we’ll explore what free fall is, how it works, and provide examples to help you better understand this fundamental concept.
Definition of Free Fall
Free fall occurs when an object is only acted upon by the force of gravity. This means that there are no other forces, such as air resistance or friction, affecting the object’s motion. As a result, the object will accelerate towards the Earth at a constant rate of 9.8 m/s².
Examples of Free Fall
One classic example of free fall is dropping a ball from a height. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, it is in free fall until it hits the ground. Another example is skydiving, where a person jumps from an airplane and experiences free fall until they deploy their parachute.
Case Study: Galileo’s Experiment
In the 16th century, Italian scientist Galileo Galilei conducted an experiment by dropping different objects from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. He discovered that all objects fell at the same rate, regardless of their mass. This led to the development of the concept of free fall and the law of uniform acceleration.
Statistics on Free Fall
According to research, the terminal velocity of a human in free fall is around 120 mph. This means that a skydiver’s speed will eventually level off due to air resistance, reaching a constant velocity. Understanding the physics of free fall is crucial for ensuring the safety of activities like skydiving and bungee jumping.
Conclusion
Free fall is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the motion of objects under the influence of gravity. By understanding how free fall works, we can appreciate the laws of nature that govern our everyday experiences. Whether you’re dropping a ball or skydiving from a plane, the principles of free fall are always at play.
