- #1
vortmax
- 19
- 1
I'm having an argument with a co-worker about gravitation and need some "enlightened" advice.
The argument is whether or not two objects dropped at the same time would impact the surface at EXACTLY the same time or not.
I already presented the proof that when combining the law of gravitation:
F = G*mo*me/r^2
with
F= mo*ao
That the mass of the object (mo) falls out and you are left with the acceleration of the object (ao) only being dependant upon the mass of the other body (earth) and the radius.
She is arguing that if you actually calculate this, then both objects will accelerate towards the Earth at the exact same rate, but that the Earth will be accelerating towards the objects at different rates, as when you do that calc, the mass of the Earth drops out and you are left with acceleration being dependant on the mass of the object, which isn't the same in both cases.
I've tried to explain this as a frame of reference issue, but she isn't biting. Can anyone give me a better, solid reasoning, or at least explain in clearer english, why this is not the case.
or maybe it is and I'm on crack...
The argument is whether or not two objects dropped at the same time would impact the surface at EXACTLY the same time or not.
I already presented the proof that when combining the law of gravitation:
F = G*mo*me/r^2
with
F= mo*ao
That the mass of the object (mo) falls out and you are left with the acceleration of the object (ao) only being dependant upon the mass of the other body (earth) and the radius.
She is arguing that if you actually calculate this, then both objects will accelerate towards the Earth at the exact same rate, but that the Earth will be accelerating towards the objects at different rates, as when you do that calc, the mass of the Earth drops out and you are left with acceleration being dependant on the mass of the object, which isn't the same in both cases.
I've tried to explain this as a frame of reference issue, but she isn't biting. Can anyone give me a better, solid reasoning, or at least explain in clearer english, why this is not the case.
or maybe it is and I'm on crack...