Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether two objects of the same mass, dropped from different heights, will reach the ground at the same time. It explores concepts related to gravitational acceleration, distance, and velocity, while considering the effects of height on the time taken to fall.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the objects will not touch the ground at the same time, suggesting that the object dropped from a greater height will take longer to fall due to the greater distance it must cover.
  • One participant notes that while the object from a greater height will have a greater velocity, it will also take more time to reach the ground.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the acceleration due to gravity is the same for both objects, assuming the heights are not significant compared to the Earth's radius, leading to the conclusion that the object starting higher cannot catch up.
  • There is a mention that if starting from a very great height, the higher object may start with a lower acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the object dropped from a greater height will take longer to reach the ground, but there is some uncertainty regarding the effects of height on acceleration, particularly at very large heights.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the significance of air resistance and the specific heights from which the objects are dropped, which may affect the discussion.

ilori
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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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