Question

which of these dot diagrams best describe the motion of a free - falling object that is dropped from rest? tap to select or deselect an answer. diagram a diagram b diagram c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall free - fall motion property

A free - falling object dropped from rest has a constant acceleration due to gravity ($g\approx9.8\ m/s^{2}$). Its velocity increases linearly with time.

Step2: Analyze dot - diagram meaning

In a dot - diagram, the spacing between dots represents the distance traveled in equal time intervals. Since the velocity of a free - falling object increases with time, the spacing between the dots should increase as the object falls.

Step3: Evaluate each diagram

Diagram A has evenly spaced dots, which represents a constant velocity motion. Diagram B has dots that are getting closer together as the object moves downwards, which is not correct for free - fall. Diagram C has dots that are getting farther apart as the object moves downwards, which is consistent with the increasing velocity of a free - falling object.

Answer:

C. Diagram C