Transcript Gravity and Falling Objects - Western Beaver County School

Topic: Gravity and
Motion
PSSA: 3.4.7.C/S8.C.3.1
Objective:
TLW explain the effects of
gravity and air resistance on
falling objects.
MI #1: Falling Objects
In the late 1500’s, Galileo proved
that the rate at which an object falls
is not dependent on its mass.
Objects fall at the same rate because
the acceleration due to gravity is the
same for all objects on Earth.
On Earth, acceleration due to
gravity is 9.8 m/s/s.
MI #2: Calculating the Velocity
of Falling Objects
You can calculate the change in
velocity of a falling object using the
equation Δv = g x t, where Δv =
change in velocity (in m/s), g =
acceleration due to gravity (in
m/s/s), and t = time (in seconds).
MI #3: Calculating the Velocity
of Falling Objects (Part 2)
Remember...
Δv = final velocity – original velocity
You may generally assume that the falling
object starts at rest (0 m/s), meaning that
Δv = final velocity – 0 m/s.
This means when you use the equation
Δv = g x t, Δv = the final velocity of the
falling object.
MI #4: Air Resistance
Air resistance is the force that
opposes motion through the air.
Objects accelerate as they fall
until the upward force of air
resistance equals the downward
force of gravity.
This point is called terminal
velocity.
So What…? Real Life
Application
Understanding gravity and
falling objects is important
because it helps us understand
how gravity acts on all objects.