Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?

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When two objects of the same mass are dropped from different heights, they do not reach the ground at the same time. The object dropped from a greater height takes longer to fall because, while it has a greater velocity, it also has a longer distance to cover. Both objects experience the same constant acceleration, assuming negligible air resistance and starting heights that are not significant compared to the Earth's radius. Therefore, the object starting higher will never catch up to the one dropped from a lower height. In summary, the height difference affects the time it takes for each object to reach the ground.
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If two objects of the same mass are dropped from different heights will they reach the ground at the same time
 
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What do you think?
 
jbriggs444 said:
What do you think?
They won't touch the ground at the same time
 
ilori said:
They won't touch the ground at the same time
Can you elaborate on your reasoning -- does one or the other have a greater acceleration?
 
jbriggs444 said:
Can you elaborate on your reasoning -- does one or the other have a greater acceleration?
The object at greater height will have a greater velocity but since it has a greater distance to cover it will take more time to touch the ground.
 
ilori said:
The object at greater height will have a greater velocity but since it has a greater distance to cover it will take more time to touch the ground.
*SMACK HEAD*. You said different heights rather than the classic different masses.

Yes, you are right. The higher one takes longer to fall.
 
jbriggs444 said:
*SMACK HEAD*. You said different heights rather than the classic different masses.

Yes, you are right. The higher one takes longer to fall.
yes, that's correct
 
jbriggs444 said:
Can you elaborate on your reasoning -- does one or the other have a greater acceleration?
The acceleration is the same (assuming that the starting heights are not significant compared to the Earth radius) and constant for both. This means that at any given time (ignoring air resistance) both objects are going at the same speed, so that the object starting higher can never catch up.

If they are starting from a very great height, the higher object starts out with a lower acceleration.
 

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