Question

investigating gravity quick check
students analyze their data from a gravity experiment. they find that objects fall at a greater speed from a greater height than from a lower height. what can they conclude? (1 point)
students must have mismeasured the objects drop times.
the longer an object falls, the more gravity increases its speed.
the experiment must have a design flaw.
the longer an object falls, the greater its mass.

Explanation:

When an object falls, gravity acts as an acceleration. Using the kinematic equation \(v = v_0+at\) (where \(v_0 = 0\) for a dropped object, \(a = g\) - acceleration due to gravity), \(v=gt\). A greater height means a longer time \(t\) of fall. As \(t\) increases (longer fall time), \(v\) (speed) increases because \(g\) is constant (\(g\approx9.8\ m/s^{2}\) near Earth's surface). Mass is an inherent property of an object and not affected by fall time. If the experiment is set - up correctly (e.g., in a vacuum or with negligible air resistance for the purpose of showing the effect of gravity on acceleration), there is no mis - measurement or design flaw in observing that longer fall times (from greater heights) lead to higher speeds.

Answer:

The longer an object falls, the more gravity increases its speed.