Question

Two students debate if a heavy object falls faster than a light one. Student A says heavier objects fall faster because gravity pulls on them more (F=ma). Student B says both fall at the same rate. Using Newton&#39;s Second Law, which student is correct and why?</p><p></p>(1 point)

Student B is correct because gravity pulls on all objects with the exact same amount of force.

Student A is correct because a larger gravitational force will always cause a faster acceleration.

Both students are wrong because air resistance is the only factor that affects an object's fall speed.

Student B is correct because the greater force on the heavy object is offset by its greater mass.

Answer 1

Answer: Student B is correct because the greater force on the heavy object is offset by its greater mass.

Explanation: For gravity F = mg. Newton's 2nd law gives F = ma, so mg = ma ⇒ a = g. The acceleration a is g and does not depend on the object's mass (assuming we neglect air resistance and are near Earth's surface). In real air, drag can make light or broad objects fall more slowly, but in vacuum all masses fall at the same rate.