Short answer
The Moon pulls us down weaker than the Earth. Therefore, with the same start, the jump on the Moon is higher.
What brings us back to earth?
To jump, you need to push off with your feet. Our feet press on the ground, and the ground pushes us up. This is how the jump begins.
But the Earth always pulls us towards itself. This force is called attraction. It also works when your feet no longer touch the ground.
Gravity slows our rise. Then we start to go down. That's why after the jump we stand on the ground again.
See it for yourself
Compare a jump on Earth and on the Moon
Open experiment ↗What will change on the Moon?
The moon also attracts people and objects. But at its surface this attraction is weaker than on Earth.
Imagine starting your jump at the same speed, but feeling a weaker pull downwards. You can rise higher! That is what happens on the Moon.
In our experiment, the explorer pushes off with the same force each time. They are not stronger on the Moon: the Moon simply pulls them back down less strongly.
Why does he still go down?
Even at the top, the Moon continues to pull the explorer down. First it stops rising, and then it begins to fall.
There is gravity on the Moon, although it is weaker than on Earth. Therefore, a normal jump will not fly the researcher far into space.
Switch to Earth and repeat the jump. Here the explorer will return down faster. Look where he was in the air longer.
What is simplified in the model
The researcher starts the jump at the same speed each time.
For adults · discuss together
The researcher starts the jump at the same speed each time.
Before experience
Ask: “What do you think will happen?” Let the child check his guess first.
After the experience
What has changed? What remains the same? Where can you notice a similar phenomenon?
