Fall Duration Calculator: Objects of Different Mass from 10m to 2m

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of fall durations for two objects of different masses falling towards each other from a distance of 10 meters to 2 meters. Participants explore the implications of mass on fall time, the calculations involved, and the underlying physics principles, including gravitational attraction and energy considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Luc B. presents calculations suggesting that different mass combinations yield varying fall durations, with surprising results such as longer times for certain mass pairs.
  • Some participants express confusion over the calculations, questioning the validity of the results and the clarity of the problem statement.
  • There are discussions about the nature of the fall, clarifying that it involves mutual gravitational attraction rather than free fall towards Earth.
  • Participants mention the concept of reduced mass and its relevance to the calculations, with some asserting it is an exact concept while others express uncertainty about its application.
  • Luc B. raises questions about the liberation speed of a rocket relative to a small planet, indicating a desire to understand the calculations involved in gravitational interactions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the calculations presented. There is ongoing debate about the interpretation of the results, the clarity of the problem, and the application of physical principles such as reduced mass and gravitational attraction.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations and assumptions are not fully detailed, leading to confusion. The discussion highlights the complexity of gravitational interactions and the need for clear definitions and calculations in physics problems.

  • #61
Luc B said:
A correct analysis would be to start with the same experimental scenario, identify the laws used by each person, determine the prediction for each, and compare the predictions to the actual results of the experiment.

That's a very good idea. You would need to design your experiment carefully because the differences in the predictions can be very small. They would be too small to show up in the experiment you proposed in #1 and #8.

Both Newton's and Einstein's laws predict that the gravitational force of the sun will bend the light from a star passing near the sun on it's way to Earth. This would make stars appear to be in the wrong place as the sun passes in front of them. Einstein's General Relativity predicts the light will bend twice as much as Newton so you have a way to test who is correct.

The experiment to see which was correct was first done in 1919 by Eddington and showed Einstein was correct.

https://thethoughtstash.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/how-eddington-demonstrated-that-einstein-was-right/
 
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  • #62
The OP in no longer with us. Time to close the thread.
 
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