Falling

Metaphors of Movement

From a Metaphors of Movement perspective, "falling" is predominantly about a lack of support. i.e. There is no basis or support for the position the person is in. They are being let down.

Falling

The Physics of Falling: Gravity and Terminal Velocity

Falling, as a fundamental phenomenon, is the result of gravitational attraction between objects with mass. The physics behind falling can be explained through the understanding of gravity and terminal velocity. In this section of the wiki, we will explore the concepts of gravity and terminal velocity, as well as their interplay within the context of falling. So pay attention, there's a test at the end. Will you survive it?

Gravity

Gravity is a fundamental force in the universe that acts upon objects with mass. Sir Isaac Newton first described the physics of gravity through his Universal Law of Gravitation, which states that any two objects with mass attract each other with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres. Mathematically, the gravitational force (F) is given by:

F = G * (m1 * m2) / r^2

where G is the gravitational constant (6.67430 x 10^-11 m^3 kg^-1 s^-2), m1 and m2 are the masses of the two objects, and r is the distance between their centres.

On Earth, gravity causes objects to accelerate towards the ground. This acceleration, known as the acceleration due to gravity (g), is approximately 9.81 m/s^2. When an object falls, it experiences an increase in velocity due to this constant acceleration.

Terminal Velocity

As an object falls through a fluid medium, such as air or water, it encounters resistance from the fluid in the form of a drag force. This drag force opposes the motion of the object and increases with the object's speed. The drag force (Fd) can be expressed as:

Fd = 0.5 * ρ * v^2 * A * Cd

where ρ is the fluid density, v is the object's velocity, A is the object's cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of motion, and Cd is the drag coefficient, which depends on the object's shape and surface properties.

When an object falls, the gravitational force pulling it downwards is balanced by the drag force acting in the opposite direction. As the object's velocity increases, so does the drag force, until the point where the drag force equals the gravitational force acting on the object. At this point, the net force on the object becomes zero, and the object ceases to accelerate. This constant velocity is known as the terminal velocity.

The terminal velocity can be determined by equating the gravitational force and the drag force:

mg = 0.5 * ρ * v^2 * A * Cd

where m is the mass of the falling object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Terminal velocity depends on the mass, size, and shape of the object, as well as the fluid medium through which it falls. For a typical human skydiver in a spread-eagle position, the terminal velocity is around 53 m/s (190 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere.

Idioms

These idioms, rooted in the English (UK) language, draw on the universal experiences of descent and the force of gravity to convey a wide range of meanings and ideas. Here are some noteworthy examples:

Falling head over heels: This idiom refers to the experience of being completely smitten or deeply in love with someone, often suddenly and unexpectedly.

A falling star: A metaphorical phrase that captures the fleeting nature of success, fame, or fortune, much like the transient beauty of a shooting star.

When the penny drops: An idiom that denotes the moment of realisation, comprehension, or understanding, akin to the sudden pull of gravity on a dropped penny.

To go downhill: This phrase describes a situation or condition that is deteriorating or declining in quality or progress, influenced by the natural tendency of objects to move downhill due to gravity.

To hit rock bottom: A powerful expression that signifies reaching the lowest point, either emotionally or circumstantially, where no further descent is possible.

To fall on deaf ears: This idiom suggests that one's words, advice, or pleas are ignored or dismissed, much like how an object falling through the air may go unnoticed by those who cannot hear it.

To fall flat: Employed to describe a failed attempt, joke, or performance that did not achieve the desired effect, this phrase evokes the image of an object brought to an abrupt halt by the force of gravity.

To let the chips fall where they may: This expression implies a willingness to accept the natural consequences of a situation or action, regardless of the outcome, as if letting gravity determine the final resting place of scattered chips.

To fall short of the mark: An idiom that signifies failing to meet expectations, objectives, or standards, as if the force of gravity has prevented an object from reaching its intended target.

To fall into place: This phrase captures the sense of events, circumstances, or ideas coming together naturally and coherently, akin to objects settling into their proper positions due to gravity's influence.

A drop in the ocean: This idiom signifies a small, often insignificant, contribution or effect in the context of a much larger issue or situation, much like a single droplet falling into a vast body of water.

To fall on one's feet: An expression that describes the fortunate ability to recover from a difficult situation or avoid negative consequences, akin to a cat's remarkable skill in landing on its feet after a fall.

To have a sinking feeling: This phrase denotes the uneasy sense of impending misfortune or the realisation that something has gone awry, as if one's emotions are being pulled downwards by gravity.

To fall between two stools: An idiom that encapsulates the failure to achieve success or make a decision due to being caught between two opposing options, much like an object precariously balanced between two supports, eventually succumbing to gravity's pull.

To fall into the wrong hands: This expression signifies the undesirable outcome of sensitive information, valuable possessions, or power being obtained by untrustworthy or malevolent individuals, as if the items in question had fallen from their rightful place.

To fall by the wayside: A phrase that describes someone or something that has failed to keep up with progress, competition, or expectations, much like an object that has fallen off a path or road.

To fall foul of someone or something: An idiom that conveys the experience of coming into conflict or disagreement with another person or an established rule, as if being pulled into a downward spiral of discord.

To have a fall from grace: This expression denotes a decline in status, reputation, or favour, typically resulting from a moral or ethical lapse, as if the individual has succumbed to the gravitational pull of their transgressions.

To fall prey to something: A phrase that signifies becoming a victim or target of a particular negative influence or danger, much like an object being drawn towards a force it cannot resist.

To fall into disuse: An idiom that describes the process by which something, such as a tradition, skill, or item, loses its relevance or utility and is gradually abandoned, as if being left to succumb to the forces of entropy and decay.

These idioms, derived from the universal principles of falling and gravity, enrich the English (UK) language by providing vivid and evocative means of expressing a diverse array of sentiments and situations.