An 5kg object is released from rest near the surface of a planet. The vertical position of the object as a function of time is shown in the graph. All frictional forces are considered to be negligible. What is the closest approximation of the weight of the object. a) 300N
b) 30N
c) 5N
d) 150N

The correct option is b: 30 N.

Explanation:

First, we need to find the acceleration due to gravity (a):

  (1)

Where:

: is the final vertical position (obtained from the graph)

: is the initial vertical position (obtained from the graph)

v₀: is the initial speed = 0 (it is released from rest)

Δt: is the variation of time (from the graph)

From the graph, we can take the following values of height and time:

t₀ = 0 s → = 5 s

y₀ = 300 m → = 225 m

Now, by entering the above values into equation (1) and solving for "a" we have:

Finally, the weight of the object is:

Therefore, the correct option is b: 30 N.

I hope it helps you!                                                                                                            

it doesn't. it was imagined up in the middle ages.

air exerts forces on falling objects near earth’s surface.

explanation:

the term 'free falls' refer to object that are falling towards the earth, in a situation in which gravity is the only force acting on the object.

for an object in free fall, the acceleration is constant (g, the gravitational acceleration), and so the velocity of the object constantly increases.

for objects near earth's surface, there is always another force acting on the object: the resistance due to the air. this force is opposed to the direction of fall of the object, and it is proportional to the velocity of the object, so as the object falls down, this force increases up to a point when it balances the force of gravity, and the object continues its motion at constant velocity (called terminal velocity). since in this case gravity is not the only force acting on the object, we are not in a situation of free fall.