The online simulations on this page show us different situations in which the application of the laws of physics in jumps and falls can be verified.
Jumps and falls are common phenomena in the study of physics, and can be analyzed from several perspectives. From the point of view of mechanics, they can be studied using Newton’s laws of motion and the concepts of kinetic and potential energy.
When a person performs a jump, a downward force is applied against the ground to generate a reaction and propel him or her upward. During the jump, the kinetic energy of the body is converted into gravitational potential energy as it rises into the air. At the highest point of the jump, the potential energy is maximum and the kinetic energy is minimum. As the body falls downward, the potential energy is converted back to kinetic energy, and the body accelerates toward the ground under the action of gravity.
During a free fall, an object is dropped without any additional force acting on it other than gravity. According to Newton’s law of universal gravitation, the acceleration of an object in free fall is constant and is called acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, this acceleration approaches 9.8 m/s². The distance an object falls in a given time can be calculated using the equation for free fall:
d = 1/2 g t²,
where
d is the distance
g is the acceleration due to gravity
t is the time.
In addition to gravity, other factors can influence jumps and falls, such as air resistance, the shape of the object and applied external forces. These factors can modify the behavior of the moving object and affect its trajectory, velocity and time of fall.
These online jump simulations are very useful to understand the physical laws behind jumps and falls and the transformation between kinetic and potential energy that occurs.
Free fall motion analysis
Observe in this free fall simulation how two objects with different masses fall, which one will fall faster?
Free fall experiment I
This free fall simulation allows us to analyze how height affects the speed of the fall. Place the ball at different heights and observe the final fall speed. Can you explain why? Do you know how to calculate it?
Free fall experiment II
This new free fall simulation allows us to analyze in more detail what is the value of the velocity of a free falling object. Adjust the height of the sensors, observe the velocity and look for an explanation.
Horizontal drop
Observe in this simulation how an object falls when it is thrown with a horizontal velocity. What kind of trajectory does it describe? why?
Parachute and terminal velocity
This animation reproduces what it is like to jump with a parachute. Observe what happens to the speed before and after opening the parachute. Can you explain what forces act in each case?
“Bungee jumping” without loss of energy
This simulation represents the jump of a person held by an elastic rope without loss of energy. When the fall begins, the person’s speed accelerates until the tension of the rope holds him/her and propels him/her upwards. Observe how the Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE), Kinetic Energy (KE) and Elastic Potential Energy (EPE) vary. Why doesn’t the movement stop?
“Bungee jumping” with loss of energy
This simulation represents the jump of a person held by an elastic rope with energy loss. When the fall begins, the person’s velocity accelerates until the tension of the rope holds him/her and propels him/her upwards. Observe how the Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE), Kinetic Energy (KE) and Elastic Potential Energy (EPE) vary. Why does the motion stop?
AP® Physics 1 – Part 4: Exam Prep
AP® Physics 1 – Part 1: Linear Motion
AP® Physics 1
AP® Physics 1 – Part 2: Rotational Motion
Mechanics, Part 2
Mechanics, Part 1
Dynamics and Control
