Question

the velocity of an object in meters per second varies directly with time in seconds since the object was dropped, as represented by the table.

velocity of a falling object

time (seconds)	velocity (meters/second)
1	9.8
2	19.6
3	29.4
4	39.2

the acceleration due to gravity is the constant of variation. what is the acceleration due to gravity of a falling object?

$4.9\frac{m}{s^{2}}$
$9.8\frac{m}{s^{2}}$
$10.2\frac{m}{s^{2}}$
$19.6\frac{m}{s^{2}}$

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for acceleration

Acceleration $a=\frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta v$ is the change in velocity and $\Delta t$ is the change in time.

Step2: Select two - points from the table

Let's take the first two points $(t_1 = 0,v_1 = 0)$ and $(t_2=1,v_2 = 9.8)$.

Step3: Calculate the acceleration

$a=\frac{v_2 - v_1}{t_2 - t_1}=\frac{9.8 - 0}{1 - 0}=9.8\frac{m}{s^{2}}$

Answer:

$9.8\frac{m}{s^{2}}$