Consider a velocity versus-time graph (v(t)). Is free fall a form of uniform motion or uniform accelerating motion? Why so? A stone is released from height h. Assuming that the gravitational acceleration is g.
Answer (1)
In the context of Physics, the question revolves around understanding the nature of motion during free fall.
Free Fall and Uniform Motion:
Uniform Motion: This type of motion occurs when an object travels with a constant velocity. The object's speed and direction do not change over time. In a velocity versus time graph, this is represented by a straight horizontal line, indicating no change in velocity.
Uniformly Accelerating Motion: This describes motion where an object experiences constant acceleration. Here, velocity changes at a steady rate over time. In the graph, this is depicted as a straight line with a constant slope.
Free Fall as Uniformly Accelerating Motion:
When an object, such as a stone, is released from a height h , it is influenced only by gravity (assuming air resistance is negligible). The acceleration due to gravity is constant, given by g (approximately 9.81 m/s 2 on Earth).
Due to this constant gravitational acceleration, the object's velocity continuously increases as it falls. Therefore, free fall is a form of uniformly accelerating motion.
On a velocity versus time graph, the line would start at zero (if the stone is released from rest) and incline upwards, showing a constant slope that corresponds to the gravitational acceleration g .
In summary, free fall is an example of uniformly accelerating motion because the velocity of the object increases steadily due to the constant acceleration of gravity.
