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AP Physics 1 · Unit 1 · Kinematics

Free Fall Motion Practice Problems

Analyze drops, upward throws, and objects released from moving carriers. Practice the motion at a highest point, repeated crossings of one height, and a rocket’s transition from powered ascent to free flight.

12 questions6 conceptual · 6 calculation

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Simulation scene from the Free Fall Motion lesson.Open interactive practice
A scene from the related lesson. Open the practice to work through the questions.

What you’ll practice

Follow vertical motion from release to return

Identify free fall

Decide when gravity is the only force. Compare different masses released together and distinguish rising motion from upward acceleration.

Calculate heights, times, and velocities

Apply constant-acceleration relationships to drops and throws. Track the positive direction and recognize when one height can be reached twice.

Carry motion across a release

Use the velocity of a rising drone or powered rocket at the instant its payload enters free flight. Separate the stages before combining their heights and times.

A question from this set

Two masses released together

Two same-size balls of mass 1.00 kg and 3.00 kg are released from rest at the same height. Ignore air resistance. How do their motions compare?

  • The heavier ball accelerates three times as much.
  • They have the same downward acceleration and reach the lower level together.
  • The lighter ball reaches the lower level first.
Try it in the practice set
Two masses released togetherTwo same-size balls of mass 1.00 kg and 3.00 kg are released from rest at the same height. Ignore air resistance. How do their motions compare?1.00 kg3.00 kgSame release heightReleased from rest together
The balls begin at the same height and are released together.

Key ideas

Gravity continues through the highest point

Free fall can point upward

An object is in free fall after release when gravity is its only force. Its velocity can point up while its acceleration points down. Air resistance is neglected in these ideal comparisons.

The release sets the initial velocity

A payload released by a moving carrier keeps that carrier’s velocity at release. Treat this as the initial velocity for the following free-flight interval.

See the physics

Compare height, velocity, and equal-time dots

Check a response, then watch balls fall side by side or follow a single upward launch. Compare recorded turning points and height crossings with your calculated times and velocities.

Use a hint for a starting point or open a worked solution to follow the reasoning. Your progress saves in this browser, so you can return to unfinished questions.

Ready for free fall motion?

Begin with a conceptual question, then work through the calculations.

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