Fall Rate of Objects: Explaining Why Weight Matters

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a question from a CSET practice exam regarding the fall rate of objects dropped from a height. Participants explore the implications of weight, shape, air resistance, and distance on the rate at which objects fall, considering both theoretical and practical aspects of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the validity of the provided answer, suggesting that the shape of the objects could affect their falling rate if they were different, and challenges the notion that weight has no effect on falling rate in general.
  • Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with the question's vagueness, particularly the term "falling rate," and suggests that they might have chosen a different answer based on their interpretation of the constraints.
  • A participant agrees that while weight does not affect the falling rate of identical objects, it would influence their behavior in a vacuum, where air resistance is absent.
  • There is a suggestion that in an atmosphere, the shape difference becomes irrelevant if the objects are the same weight and shape, indicating that drag force is dependent on weight and speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the clarity and correctness of the question and the implications of the answer choices. There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the question or the interpretation of the factors affecting falling rate.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the question's phrasing and assumptions about air resistance and the conditions under which the objects are dropped. The implications of shape and weight are debated without resolution.

apathak5025
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Hello -

I have a question from a CSET practice exam that I'm having trouble understanding the provided answer.

Q Two items are dropped simultaneously from a ten-story building. The items are shaped similarly and are relatively the same weight. Which of the following statements is correct concerning the rate at which the objects fall?
1. The weight of the objects has no effect on the falling rate.
2. The resistance of the air has no effect on the falling rate.
3. The shape of the objects has no effect on falling rate.
4. The distance of the fall has a major effect on the falling rate.

The answer is 1. Can someone please explain why the other choices are incorrect. I understand that objects weight has no effect on the falling rate of acceleration, but why wouldn't the shape have an effect? The two objects are similar in shape, which would make sense why the it wouldn't have an effect but if one object was to differ in shape, then it would. The same could go for resistance of the air choice. The resistance would be roughly the same for both objects since they are the same shape and weight, but if it was to differ it would have an effect. Is there an easy explanation someone could provide?
 
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I strongly dislike this question. The constraints are vague and what kind of scientific term is "falling rate"? I might have answered choice #4!

The choice of correct answer tells us the constraints: the objects are shaped/sized so that drag force is a function of weight (and speed), meaning that at all times you'll end up with the same acceleration with differently weighted objects.
 
I agree with russ_waters. For example, the weight of the objects would certainly affect their falling rate, but not relative to each other is they are the same weight and shape. On #2, wouldn't they fall faster in a vacuum.

Bad question.
 
OldYat47 said:
but not relative to each other is they are the same weight and shape

but not relative to each other is they are the same weight and shape, and in an atmosphere

devoid of atmosphere, shape difference is irrelevant :smile:Dave
 

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