A Journey Through the Realm of Gravity

Gravity, the invisible force that shapes our world, is responsible for the downward pull we experience on Earth. When objects are dropped or thrown, gravity accelerates them towards the ground.

Free Fall:

  • Definition: An object falling freely under the influence of gravity, unhindered by other forces.

  • Acceleration due to gravity: Near Earth's surface, this acceleration is approximately 9.81 meters per second squared (m/s²), denoted by "g".

  • Equations of motion: The equations governing free fall are identical to those for constant acceleration, with "g" replacing "a".

Projectile Motion:

  • Definition: The motion of an object launched into the air, influenced by gravity and initial velocity.

  • Components: Projectile motion can be decomposed into horizontal and vertical components.

  • Horizontal motion: Unaffected by gravity, it remains constant.

  • Vertical motion: Governed by gravity, it follows the equations of free fall.

Key Points:

  • Gravity is a downward force on Earth.

  • Free fall occurs when gravity is the only force acting on an object.

  • Projectile motion combines horizontal and vertical components.

  • The equations of motion for free fall apply to the vertical component of projectile motion.

By understanding gravity and its effects on motion, we can better comprehend the behavior of objects in our everyday lives and the universe at large.