Does Mass Affect the Rate of Free Fall?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether mass affects the rate of free fall, particularly in the context of objects of different masses falling from the same height. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical demonstrations related to free fall in a vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that two bodies of significantly different masses (50 kg and 50 g) would reach the ground at the same time if allowed to fall freely from the same height.
  • Another participant agrees, noting that this is true in a vacuum.
  • There is a reference to demonstrations of different masses falling in a vacuum, with one participant expressing unfamiliarity with such demonstrations.
  • A participant mentions the Apollo astronauts conducting a similar demonstration on the moon, indicating interest in historical examples.
  • Links to external sources are shared, including a NASA demonstration and a reference to Galileo's experiment, which some participants find impressive.
  • One participant introduces a caveat regarding the interaction between the falling object and the Earth, prompting further reflection on the implications of this perspective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that mass does not affect the rate of free fall in a vacuum, but there is no consensus on practical implications or the nuances of the interaction between falling objects and the Earth.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the implications of the interaction between the falling object and the Earth, nor does it clarify the conditions under which the statements apply, such as the presence of air resistance.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in physics, particularly those exploring concepts of motion, gravity, and historical experiments related to free fall.

Arup Biswas
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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?
 
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Yup. Well, in a vacuum anyway.
 
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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
 
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Likes   Reactions: 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?
 

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