Mass and kinematics -- motion of objects in a gravitational field

AI Thread Summary
In a gravitational field, mass does not affect the acceleration of objects in free fall, as all objects accelerate at the same rate due to gravity, regardless of their mass. However, the mass of the gravitational source can influence the motion of falling objects. Vertical upward and downward motions are also governed by gravitational forces, but the effects of mass can vary depending on other factors like air resistance. The discussion highlights that while mass does not change the acceleration of falling objects, it plays a role in the overall gravitational interaction. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for analyzing motion in a gravitational field.
mthudaa
does mass affect the motion of the vertical upward, vertical motion down, free fall motion, and parabolic motion?
 
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What do you expect?

In free fall (no drag or other forces apart from gravity), everything accelerates with the gravitational acceleration g. It doesn't depend on the mass.
 
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mthudaa said:
does mass affect the motion of the vertical upward, vertical motion down, free fall motion, and parabolic motion?

It depends. For the mass of the falling object in a constant gravitational field see mfb's post above. But that's not the only possible answer. The mass of the gravity source obviously affects the free fall motion.
 

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