Free fall?!? A critical analysis of students' conception about free fall motion

Abstract

A longitudinal study that examines 16-17 year old students' alternative conceptions of free fall was done in UPLB in a period of about 5 years. This was prompted by observed persistent and widespread misunderstanding of free fall motion among university students enrolled in general education science courses. An in-depth analysis of the possible reasons uncovers among other ideas, the "force needed for motion" view commonly adhered to by students in many countries.