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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the influence of mass on the motion of objects in a gravitational field, specifically addressing vertical upward motion, vertical downward motion, free fall, and parabolic motion. It is established that in free fall, where only gravity acts, all objects accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass, governed by gravitational acceleration (g). However, the mass of the gravitational source does impact the free fall motion, indicating a nuanced relationship between mass and gravitational effects.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational acceleration (g)
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of free fall dynamics
  • Concept of parabolic motion in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of mass on gravitational fields
  • Study Newton's law of universal gravitation
  • Explore the concept of free fall with air resistance
  • Investigate the characteristics of parabolic motion in different gravitational contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of motion under gravity.

mthudaa
does mass affect the motion of the vertical upward, vertical motion down, free fall motion, and parabolic motion?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: mthudaa
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.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Exact Integration of Newton's Gravitational Law?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
High School Problems with modelling the vertical motion of a dust particle
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Undergrad Cavendish balance and mass of objects
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
High School Inertial Mass vs Gravitational Mass
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
High School The Effect of Linear and Rotational Motion on Measured Weight
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
High School How does mechanical motion start at the deepest, smallest level?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
High School Static friction needed for rolling without slipping
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School Normal force in case of inclined plane and banked turn
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Constant Circular Motion Not Really Constant
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
High School Projectile motion — Thinking about forces on a curve ball
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K