Masses falling in the earth's gravitational field make up a large collection of constant acceleration problems. Near the surface of the earth the acceleration is constant and masses falling from a building for example are easy to visualize.

Some instructors and authors adopt the view that all coordinate systems must have positive x to the right and positive y up. Working falling body problems is a great place to learn that coordinate systems can be chosen for convenience in working the problem. Our experience is that we see higher test scores from students who are taught to let the problem dictate the coordinate system, not force the problem into a specific coordinate system.

In falling body problems there are two areas where you need to be especially careful. First, in diagramming the problem choose the coordinate system, label the directions (positive and negative) and be sure the givens (position, velocity and acceleration) are labeled.

Second, in working the problems be careful of the algebraic signs. This will be your greatest source of error. The equations for these problems are the same ones as used in the previous section on motion.

These equations are so important that you should write them down on a 3 x 5 card and use the card as a bookmark, reviewing it at least every time you open your book, until these equations are committed to memory.

Falling body problems are listed below. After viewing each problem return to this page to select another problem.

Falling body problems are discussed in greater detail in our books How to Solve Physics Problems and Physics for the Utterly Confused. Click on these links to go to a review and some sample pages. These books can be purchased at the online bookstores linked in the reviews.

Alternatively, clicking on the appropriate icon will take you directly to our book at the online bookstore.

Copyright © Robert M. Oman 2004