Why Do Objects with Different Mass Fall at the Same Time?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of objects with different masses falling at the same rate, exploring the principles of gravity and acceleration. Participants are examining the implications of Newton's laws of motion and gravitational force.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present equations related to gravitational force and acceleration, questioning the intuitive understanding of why different masses fall simultaneously. Some express curiosity about the assumptions behind the expectation that mass would affect falling speed.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing mathematical reasoning and seeking a deeper intuitive understanding of the concept. There is an ongoing exploration of both the 'how' and 'why' of the phenomenon, indicating a productive dialogue without explicit consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some participants question the assumptions regarding the influence of mass on falling speed, while others introduce the concept of gravitational force in relation to different masses and the Earth.

Ahmadso
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Hi

How are you friends ?

I want to know why when I let fall tow things that have a different mass, why they reach the ground in the same time?

Thank you for your time.
 
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Newtons F = m*a and the approximation F = m*g, so a = g

Although I guess if you really want to be anal, the heavier object hits very slightly first because the Earth is accelerating up to the heavier object. So two Earth sized masses would fall toward each other faster than a ping pong ball and the earth.
 
The equation of gravitational law shows it
F = GMm/r^2 where F is force applied due to gravitation by earth, G is a constant, M is the mass of the earth, m is the mass of the thrown object and r is the radius of the Earth and from the law distancebetween the centre of two objects.

F = ma
therefore a = F/m = which here is g.
thus g is equal for all objects. may it be anything. now what mcah5 explained is the gravitational force applied by object on earth. the heavy celestial bodies apply gavitational force on Earth due to which the gravitational force on Earth due to object becomes negligible.
 
Ahmadso said:
Hi
How are you friends ?
I want to know why when I let fall tow things that have a different mass, why they reach the ground in the same time?
Thank you for your time.
OK, now that the 'how' has been answered with equations, perhaps we can answer the 'why'? i.e a more intuitive answer.

I respond to your question with another question:
Tell me why you think they wouldn't they hit the ground at the same time.
 

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