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L
Lucy Styles
11/17/2025
AP Physics 1
General Physics (Free-falling Objects)
143
•
Nov 17, 2025
•
Understanding Free-Falling Objects in Physics
L
Lucy Styles
@lucystyles_htpt
1 / 9
General Physics 1: Free-falling Objects
When objects are in free fall, they move solely under gravity's influence. This fascinating phenomenon affects everything from raindrops to rockets returning to Earth.
This section introduces the core principles that govern how objects behave when falling freely, helping you understand why a hammer and feather would fall at the same rate on the moon!
Freely Falling Objects: Basic Concept
Free fall occurs whenever objects move under gravity's influence alone. Scientists often demonstrate this concept with specialized equipment showing how objects of different masses fall at identical rates.
In a vacuum chamber demonstration, a feather and a stone fall at exactly the same speed because air resistance is removed. This striking visual proves that gravity accelerates all objects equally regardless of their mass.
💡 Without air resistance, a feather would hit the ground at the same time as a bowling ball if dropped from the same height!
Understanding Free Fall
A freely falling object is any object moving under gravity's influence alone. This includes objects thrown upward, downward, or released from rest - all are considered freely falling once released.
Every object in free fall experiences the same downward acceleration due to gravity , regardless of its initial motion or mass. This acceleration is constant throughout the fall.
The equal falling rate of different objects can be demonstrated using tubes - one filled with air where objects fall at different rates, and an evacuated (vacuum) tube where they fall at identical rates.
Free Fall: Objects Dropped from Rest
When an object is dropped from rest, its initial velocity is zero . As it falls, it accelerates downward at a constant rate of 9.8 m/s².
We typically use the y-axis (instead of x) for vertical motion problems. The acceleration due to gravity is represented as aᵧ = g = -9.80 m/s² (negative because downward motion is typically assigned a negative value).
🔍 The negative sign for gravity's acceleration doesn't mean it's slowing down - it just indicates direction relative to our coordinate system!
Free Fall: Objects Thrown Downward
When you throw an object downward, it starts with a non-zero initial velocity (vᵢ ≠ 0). Since we typically consider upward as positive, the initial velocity of a downward-thrown object is negative.
The acceleration remains the same as with dropped objects: aᵧ = g = -9.80 m/s². This constant acceleration causes the object to continuously increase speed as it falls.
The key difference from objects dropped from rest is that downward-thrown objects have a head start in velocity, making them reach the ground faster and with greater final speed.
Free Fall: Objects Thrown Upward
When throwing an object upward, it has a positive initial velocity (vᵢ > 0), but gravity immediately begins slowing it down. The object reaches its maximum height when velocity becomes zero .
Gravity's acceleration acts downward throughout the entire motion, even while the object is moving upward. After reaching maximum height, the object begins falling back down.
🚀 Try thinking about this like tossing a ball - it slows down on the way up, stops momentarily at the top, then speeds up on the way down, all because gravity pulls consistently!
For symmetrical motion, the time going up equals the time coming down and the final velocity will have the same magnitude as the initial velocity but in the opposite direction .
Free Fall: Detailed Example
Let's follow an object thrown upward with an initial velocity of 20.0 m/s. At the starting point A, the velocity is positive (upward) while acceleration remains -9.8 m/s² throughout.
At point B , the object reaches its maximum height of 20.4m where its velocity becomes zero momentarily. Gravity continues pulling it downward.
By point C , the object returns to its original height with velocity -20.0 m/s, equal in magnitude but opposite to its initial velocity. The journey continues downward to point E, where it reaches -50.0m with velocity -37.1 m/s.
This example illustrates how position and velocity change continuously throughout free fall, even while acceleration remains constant at -9.8 m/s².
Sample Free Fall Problems
These problems demonstrate how to apply free fall equations in different scenarios. When solving them, remember that acceleration due to gravity is constant at -9.8 m/s².
For dropped objects (like the euro coin from Pisa), use initial velocity of zero and find position and velocity at different time intervals using y = ½gt² and v = gt.
For objects thrown downward , you'll need to find height or final velocity using kinematic equations that account for non-zero initial velocity.
🧮 When solving these problems, break them into parts! For example, when a ball is thrown from a building, separate the upward motion, maximum height point, and downward motion.
Exercise Problems
These practice problems cover all types of free fall scenarios: objects thrown downward, upward, and determining various parameters like time, velocity, and height.
When solving the arrow problem (shooting vertically upward), note that the total time of 12 seconds represents both upward and downward motion combined. The key insight is that for objects returning to the same height, the final and initial speeds are equal in magnitude.
For multi-part problems like the cliff example, solve each segment separately: first calculate time to maximum height, then determine that height relative to a reference point, and finally calculate total travel time and final velocity.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Free-Falling Objects in Physics
L
Lucy Styles
@lucystyles_htpt
Free fall is a fascinating concept in physics where objects move under the influence of gravity alone. Whether thrown upward, downward, or released from rest, all objects in free fall experience the same downward acceleration regardless of their mass or... Show more
General Physics 1: Free-falling Objects
When objects are in free fall, they move solely under gravity's influence. This fascinating phenomenon affects everything from raindrops to rockets returning to Earth.
This section introduces the core principles that govern how objects behave when falling freely, helping you understand why a hammer and feather would fall at the same rate on the moon!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Freely Falling Objects: Basic Concept
Free fall occurs whenever objects move under gravity's influence alone. Scientists often demonstrate this concept with specialized equipment showing how objects of different masses fall at identical rates.
In a vacuum chamber demonstration, a feather and a stone fall at exactly the same speed because air resistance is removed. This striking visual proves that gravity accelerates all objects equally regardless of their mass.
💡 Without air resistance, a feather would hit the ground at the same time as a bowling ball if dropped from the same height!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Understanding Free Fall
A freely falling object is any object moving under gravity's influence alone. This includes objects thrown upward, downward, or released from rest - all are considered freely falling once released.
Every object in free fall experiences the same downward acceleration due to gravity , regardless of its initial motion or mass. This acceleration is constant throughout the fall.
The equal falling rate of different objects can be demonstrated using tubes - one filled with air where objects fall at different rates, and an evacuated (vacuum) tube where they fall at identical rates.
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Free Fall: Objects Dropped from Rest
When an object is dropped from rest, its initial velocity is zero . As it falls, it accelerates downward at a constant rate of 9.8 m/s².
We typically use the y-axis (instead of x) for vertical motion problems. The acceleration due to gravity is represented as aᵧ = g = -9.80 m/s² (negative because downward motion is typically assigned a negative value).
🔍 The negative sign for gravity's acceleration doesn't mean it's slowing down - it just indicates direction relative to our coordinate system!
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Free Fall: Objects Thrown Downward
When you throw an object downward, it starts with a non-zero initial velocity (vᵢ ≠ 0). Since we typically consider upward as positive, the initial velocity of a downward-thrown object is negative.
The acceleration remains the same as with dropped objects: aᵧ = g = -9.80 m/s². This constant acceleration causes the object to continuously increase speed as it falls.
The key difference from objects dropped from rest is that downward-thrown objects have a head start in velocity, making them reach the ground faster and with greater final speed.
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Free Fall: Objects Thrown Upward
When throwing an object upward, it has a positive initial velocity (vᵢ > 0), but gravity immediately begins slowing it down. The object reaches its maximum height when velocity becomes zero .
Gravity's acceleration acts downward throughout the entire motion, even while the object is moving upward. After reaching maximum height, the object begins falling back down.
🚀 Try thinking about this like tossing a ball - it slows down on the way up, stops momentarily at the top, then speeds up on the way down, all because gravity pulls consistently!
For symmetrical motion, the time going up equals the time coming down and the final velocity will have the same magnitude as the initial velocity but in the opposite direction .
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Free Fall: Detailed Example
Let's follow an object thrown upward with an initial velocity of 20.0 m/s. At the starting point A, the velocity is positive (upward) while acceleration remains -9.8 m/s² throughout.
At point B , the object reaches its maximum height of 20.4m where its velocity becomes zero momentarily. Gravity continues pulling it downward.
By point C , the object returns to its original height with velocity -20.0 m/s, equal in magnitude but opposite to its initial velocity. The journey continues downward to point E, where it reaches -50.0m with velocity -37.1 m/s.
This example illustrates how position and velocity change continuously throughout free fall, even while acceleration remains constant at -9.8 m/s².
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Sample Free Fall Problems
These problems demonstrate how to apply free fall equations in different scenarios. When solving them, remember that acceleration due to gravity is constant at -9.8 m/s².
For dropped objects (like the euro coin from Pisa), use initial velocity of zero and find position and velocity at different time intervals using y = ½gt² and v = gt.
For objects thrown downward , you'll need to find height or final velocity using kinematic equations that account for non-zero initial velocity.
🧮 When solving these problems, break them into parts! For example, when a ball is thrown from a building, separate the upward motion, maximum height point, and downward motion.
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Exercise Problems
These practice problems cover all types of free fall scenarios: objects thrown downward, upward, and determining various parameters like time, velocity, and height.
When solving the arrow problem (shooting vertically upward), note that the total time of 12 seconds represents both upward and downward motion combined. The key insight is that for objects returning to the same height, the final and initial speeds are equal in magnitude.
For multi-part problems like the cliff example, solve each segment separately: first calculate time to maximum height, then determine that height relative to a reference point, and finally calculate total travel time and final velocity.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user