Free fall
Free fall is an interactive experiment in Mechanics & Motion, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
Without air resistance every body falls with the same acceleration g: the speed grows steadily (v = g·t) and the distance with the square of time (h = ½·g·t²), so it lands after t = √(2h/g). With air drag on, a force F = k·v acts against the motion; the speed approaches the terminal velocity v = m·g/k, where drag and weight balance.
Try this: Turn on air drag and watch the v–t graph: the curve bends and levels off at the terminal velocity. Then increase the mass.
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Free fall” experiment show?
Without air resistance every body falls with the same acceleration g: the speed grows steadily (v = g·t) and the distance with the square of time (h = ½·g·t²), so it lands after t = √(2h/g). With air drag on, a force F = k·v acts against the motion; the speed approaches the terminal velocity v = m·g/k, where drag and weight balance.
How do I try “Free fall”?
Turn on air drag and watch the v–t graph: the curve bends and levels off at the terminal velocity. Then increase the mass.
Studying for a test?
Upload your notes and StudyFi turns them into flashcards, tests and podcasts.