Question

Make a prediction of vertical velocity versus time (vy vs. t) for a ball in free fall from bouncing vertically on a table. You want to predict the entire motion from right after the first contact with the table (on its way up), to the top of the motion, and back down to the table at the instant before the ball hits the table for the second time (on its way down, but hasn’t hit yet). Graph only predictions for that one bounce, not multiple bounces.

(a) Sketch a graph of vertical velocity versus time (vy vs. t) for a ball in free-fall.

(b) Explain your prediction – how is the physical motion of the ball reflected in the graph you drew? Is the equation for this motion linear or quadratic? Also, discuss how the graph shows the ball changing direction.

Answer 1