Falling Object Word Problem 1
Science Connection
Scientists simulate a gravity-free environment called microgravity in free-fall situations. A similar microgravity environment can be felt on free-fall rides at amusement parks or when stepping off a high diving platform. The distance d (in meters) that an object that is dropped falls in t seconds can be modeled by the equation , where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 meters per second per second.)
1
The NASA Lewis Research Center has two microgravity facilities. One provides a 132-meter drop into a hole and the other provides a 24-meter drop inside a tower. How long will each free-fall period be? Give answer to the nearest tenth of a second.
2
In Japan a 490-meter mine shaft has been converted into a microgravity facility. This creates the longest period of free-fall currently available on Earth. How long will a period of free-fall be? Give answer to the nearest tenth of a second.
3
If you want to double the free-fall time, how much do you have to increase the height from which the object was dropped?