Physics Free Fall: Big 4 Kinematic Equations & GUESS Method

What is the acceleration due to gravity?

9.8 m/s² downward

How does velocity change during free fall?

Velocity changes by -9.8 m/s every second.

What is the velocity at the highest point of motion?

0 m/s

What can be said about two positions at the same height in free fall?

They have the same speed, ignoring air resistance.

What is the relationship between time going up and time coming down in free fall?

Time going up equals time coming back down to the original height.

What are the Big 4 Kinematic Equations used for?

They are used to describe motion under constant acceleration.

What does the equation vf = vi + at represent?

Final velocity equals initial velocity plus acceleration times time.

What does the equation d = vit + 1/2 at² calculate?

Displacement based on initial velocity, time, and acceleration.

What does vf² = vi² + 2ad represent?

The relationship between final velocity, initial velocity, acceleration, and displacement.

What does d = (vi + vf)/2 * t calculate?

Displacement based on the average of initial and final velocities over time.

What does the 'G' in the GUESS method stand for?

Givens (list known information and draw a diagram).

What does the 'U' in the GUESS method represent?

Unknowns (identify what you need to find).

What is the purpose of the 'E' in the GUESS method?

Equation (choose an equation containing the givens and unknown).

What does 'S' in the GUESS method indicate?

Solve (rearrange algebraically if necessary).

What is the final step 'S' in the GUESS method?

Substitute (plug in values, calculate, and include units).

explain why acceleration is constant in free fall

Acceleration is constant in free fall because gravity pulls objects toward Earth with the same acceleration the entire time they are falling (if air resistance is ignored)

What is the acceleration of the ball when dropped?

-9.81 m/s²

What is a likely assessment question regarding free fall?

Explain why acceleration is constant in free fall.