The discussion centers on the principle of free fall and the effects of gravity on objects of different masses. Participants clarify that while gravity acts on all objects, the statement "all objects fall at the same speed in free fall" is an approximation valid only when one mass is negligible compared to the other, such as a feather and a hammer. When masses are comparable, such as a large ball and a planet, both objects exert gravitational forces on each other, affecting their relative motion. The conversation emphasizes the importance of context and frame of reference in understanding gravitational interactions.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators explaining gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in the nuances of free fall and gravitational interactions.
Oops, yes you are right. The reduced mass gives the equivalent force for a 1 body problem.mfb said:It depends on the sum. arel=G(M+m)/R2.