Does Mass Affect the Rate of Free Fall?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Arup Biswas
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravity Mass
AI Thread Summary
Two objects, regardless of their mass, will fall at the same rate and reach the ground simultaneously when dropped from the same height in a vacuum. This principle is demonstrated in experiments, such as the Apollo astronauts' feather drop on the moon. The discussion highlights that in a vacuum, air resistance does not affect the fall, allowing different masses to land at the same time. Additionally, it notes that when dropping an object, the Earth also moves slightly toward it, emphasizing the mutual gravitational attraction. Understanding these concepts illustrates the fundamental principles of motion and gravity.
Arup Biswas
Messages
34
Reaction score
2
20170802_104003.jpeg

From the eqn of motion deduced, I can say that two body, one of 50 kg, and one of 50 g if allowed to freely fall from same height, they will reach the ground the exact same time?? Practically is it possible? How ? They are largely different but same distance in same time?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yup. Well, in a vacuum anyway.
 
  • Like
Likes davenn
You've seen the demos of different masses falling in a vacuum, right?
 
No i haven't!
 
Pretty sure the Apollo astronauts did this demo on the moon for fun -- Googling now...
 
Also
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman and davenn
Amazing!
 
  • #10
Arup Biswas said:
Amazing!
Small caveat: when you drop a rock toward Earth, you are also dropping the Earth toward the rock. What does flipping the situation over tell you?
 

Similar threads

Back
Top