Three objects are released to the ground while the mass and net force of each is recorded. Air resistance is assumed to be negligible. Which statement is correct about all three objects? (1 point)

Question

No statement can be made about the objects without measuring the acceleration of each.
The ratio of net force to mass is constant across all objects.
• The ratio of the net force to acceleration is constant across all objects.
The ratio of Mass to acceleration is constant across all objects.

Answer 1

The correct statement about all three objects is:

The ratio of net force to mass is constant across all objects.

This follows from Newton's second law of motion, which states that \( F = ma \), or rearranging gives the ratio \( F/m = a \). If we consider the net force acting on each object due to gravity (where the only significant force is the weight), the ratio remains constant as all objects fall under the influence of the same gravitational acceleration (assuming they are near the Earth's surface and air resistance is negligible).

Therefore, the ratio of net force (\(F\)) to mass (\(m\)), which equals acceleration (\(a\)), is constant, as all objects experience the same gravitational acceleration.

Thus, \( \frac{F}{m} = a \) is a valid conclusion whether you are comparing the ratios individually or across all objects, as long as they are subjected to the same gravitational conditions.