The animation below simulates an object in free-fall near the surface of the earth.  Use the links below the animation to view a projectile released from rest and a projectile initially projected upward.  Air resistance is neglected in the simulation.  After viewing the animation, answer the following questions:

1.  What is the acceleration of an object that is released from rest at the instant just after it is released?

2.  What is the acceleration of an object at its peak if it is initially projected upward?

3.  Consider an object that is released from rest at a certain height h above the ground and an another object that is initially projected upward from the ground and travels to the same height h.  Compare their speeds as they hit the ground?  

 
Position vs. Time

Velocity vs. Time

Acceleration vs. Time


Ball dropped from rest  |  Ball projected upward from the ground