Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?

  • Thread starter ilori
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In summary, objects of the same mass dropped from different heights will not reach the ground at the same time. The object at a greater height will have a greater velocity, but due to the greater distance to cover, it will take more time to touch the ground. Additionally, the acceleration is the same and constant for both objects, meaning that the object starting higher can never catch up.
  • #1
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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  • #2
What do you think?
 
  • #3
jbriggs444 said:
What do you think?
They won't touch the ground at the same time
 
  • #4
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?
 
  • #5
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.
 
  • #6
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.
 
  • #7
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
 
  • #8
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.
 

Related to Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?

1. What is the concept behind "Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?"

The concept behind "Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time" is that objects with the same mass will fall to the ground at the same rate when dropped from the same height, regardless of their shape or composition.

2. How is it possible for objects with different shapes and compositions to fall at the same rate?

This is possible because the acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects. The mass of an object does not affect the rate at which it falls, only the force of gravity does.

3. Does air resistance play a role in "Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?"

No, air resistance does not play a role in this concept. In order for objects to fall at the same rate, they must be in a vacuum or an environment with minimal air resistance.

4. What experiments have been done to prove the concept of "Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?"

Galileo Galilei famously conducted experiments using different objects of varying masses and shapes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to show that they all fell to the ground at the same rate. This concept has also been proven through various other experiments and demonstrations in a controlled environment.

5. Are there any exceptions to the concept of "Same Mass Objects Dropped: Same Time?"

In the real world, there may be some slight variations in the rate at which objects fall due to factors such as air resistance, but in a controlled environment with minimal air resistance, the concept holds true. Additionally, objects with extreme differences in mass, such as a feather and a bowling ball, may not fall at the exact same rate due to air resistance and other external factors.

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