Downward acceleration is independent of mass during free fall
Abstract
This experiment tests Galileo’s theory of free fall by investigating whether or not an object’s acceleration downward is dependent on its mass. Three objects of differing masses were released at rest from a height of about 5 m: a ping pong ball, a tennis ball, and a cricket ball, a mass range of three orders of magnitude. Drops were filmed and tracking software was used to record the position of each object. Position data was then used to create the graphs for velocity-time. The velocity-time graphs appeared linear with slope near −9.8 m/s2 , close to the accepted gravitational acceleration near Earth’s surface. Since the accelerations of each object are consistent with each other to some degree of uncertainty, we conclude acceleration is independent of mass.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies
Sports Dynamics and Biomechanics
Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Science & Engineering
- Publisher
- Freehold Regional High School District
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 44–46
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026