How do we tell if an object is in free fall?
if it accelerates downward at 9.8 m/s^2
If it weighs nothing if set on a scale
thanks
To determine if an object is in free fall, you can consider the following criteria:
1. Absence of external forces: In free fall, the only force acting on the object is gravity. If there are no other significant external forces at play (such as air resistance or applied forces), the object is likely in free fall.
2. Acceleration due to gravity: In free fall, the object experiences a constant acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (9.8 m/s²). If the object is consistently accelerating downwards at this rate without any other influences, it suggests free fall.
3. Trajectory: The object in free fall follows a parabolic or nearly parabolic path known as a "falling curve." If you observe the object moving along a path that resembles this kind of curve, it implies that the object is in free fall.
To conclusively determine if an object is in free fall, it is crucial to eliminate the effects of air resistance or any other non-gravitational forces that might be acting on the object. One way to accomplish this is by conducting experiments in a vacuum or analyzing objects in low air resistance environments, such as a vacuum chamber or specialized facilities.