would a heavy can fall faster than an empty can?

1 answer

In a vacuum, where there is no air resistance, both a heavy can and an empty can would fall at the same rate due to gravity, regardless of their mass. This is a consequence of the principle that the acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects.

However, in the presence of air (like in our everyday environment), the situation is different. Air resistance affects objects differently based on their shape, size, and mass. A heavier can may overcome air resistance more effectively than a lighter can, potentially allowing it to fall faster.

In many cases, the heavy can would fall faster than the empty can because it is less affected by the drag force of air resistance relative to its weight. But the exact behavior can depend on other factors, such as the shapes and surface textures of the cans.

In summary, in a vacuum, they fall at the same rate; in the presence of air, the heavier can generally falls faster, but the exact dynamics can vary.

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