Scientists simulate a gravity-free environment called [i][b]microgravity[/b][/i] in free-fall situations. A similar microgravity environment can be felt on free-fall rides at amusement parks or when stepping off a high diving platform. The distance [b][i]d[/i][/b] (in meters) that an object that is dropped falls in [b][i]t[/i][/b] seconds can be modeled by the equation [math]d=\frac{1}{2}g\left(t^2\right)[/math], where [b][i]g[/i][/b] is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 meters per second per second.)
The NASA Lewis Research Center has two microgravity facilities. One provides a 132-meter drop into a hole and the other provides a 24-meter drop inside a tower. How long will each free-fall period be? Give answer to the nearest tenth of a second.
In Japan a 490-meter mine shaft has been converted into a microgravity facility. This creates the longest period of free-fall currently available on Earth. How long will a period of free-fall be? Give answer to the nearest tenth of a second.
If you want to double the free-fall time, how much do you have to increase the height from which the object was dropped?