Question:

If the object is falling for 3 seconds, predict the distance the object falls. If a small amount of air resistance is present, predict what this would do to the distance the object falls.

The distance travelled by the object in the time interval of 3 second is 44.15m

The airresistance would try to decrease the acceleration and thus would decrease the distance the ibject has fallen in 3 seconds.

Explanation:

The object is falling vertically down. Hence the acceleration would be replaced by the acceleration due to gravity "g".

We know that distance "s" = ut + 1/2*g*t²

where u - initial velocity of the object

g - acceleration due to gravity = 9.81m/s²

t - time period

Since the object is falling from initial rest position hence u=0

thus the equation reduces to 1/2gt²

S=1/2 * (9.81) (3) ²

Thus the distance = 44.145 m (approximately 44.15 m)

If a small amount of air resistance is present in between it would obstruct the falling of the object. hence, in turn, would oppose "g".

This opposition to "g" would decrease the acceleration and thus body would travel less distance in the same time frame i. e. 3 sec