Two crates are dropped from the same height in a vacuum. The mass and force of the crates are shown in the diagram. Which of the following statements is supported by the data?

Question

a
Both of the crates are accelerating at the same rate.
b
Both of the crates are falling at a constant speed.
c
The momentum of both crates will be the same right before they hit the ground.
d
The normal force will be the same on both crates when they hit the ground.

Answer 1

a) Both of the crates are accelerating at the same rate.

In a vacuum, where there is no air resistance, all objects, regardless of mass, fall at the same rate of acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, the mass and force of the crates are not relevant to their acceleration, and both crates will accelerate at the same rate. Therefore, option a is supported by the data.