Question

which of these dot diagrams best describe the motion of a free-falling object that is dropped from rest? tap to select or deselect an answer. diagram a diagram b diagram c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall free - fall motion

In free - fall, an object dropped from rest accelerates due to gravity. The distance it travels in successive equal time intervals increases. The formula for the distance fallen in free - fall is $d=\frac{1}{2}gt^{2}$, where $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity and $t$ is time. As time $t$ increases, the distance $d$ increases non - linearly, and the spacing between the dots (representing position at equal time intervals) should increase as time progresses.

Step2: Analyze each diagram

• Diagram A: The dots are getting closer together as we move along, which would represent an object slowing down, not accelerating in free - fall.
• Diagram B: The dots are getting further apart as we move along, which is consistent with an object accelerating (since in each successive time interval, the object falls a greater distance due to the acceleration of gravity).
• Diagram C: The dots are equally spaced, which would represent an object moving at a constant velocity, not accelerating as in free - fall.

Answer:

B. Diagram B