1. A science class is planning an investigation about gravity and objects on Earth. In three to four sentences, explain the steps the class should take to provide data to help them make a conclusion about the effect of gravity on objects of different masses.

2. Two skydivers of different masses jump from a plane. In three to five sentences, explain how their falls compare, including the effects of gravity, mass, and air resistance.

1 answer

1. The class should first measure the mass of several different objects. Then, they should drop the objects from the same height and measure the time it takes for each object to reach the ground. They should also measure the distance each object travels before it hits the ground. Finally, they should compare the data to draw a conclusion about the effect of gravity on objects of different masses.

2. The skydivers will both experience the same force of gravity, but the skydiver with the greater mass will accelerate faster due to their greater mass. However, the skydiver with the greater mass will also experience more air resistance, which will slow them down. The skydiver with the lesser mass will experience less air resistance, allowing them to accelerate faster and reach the ground sooner. Ultimately, the skydiver with the lesser mass will reach the ground first.