On Earth, objects fall toward the ground due to the force of gravity, which is the attraction between objects with mass. Here are some key points about how this process works:
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Force of Gravity: Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward each other. On Earth, the mass of the planet creates a gravitational field that pulls objects toward its center.
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Weight: The weight of an object is the force exerted on it due to gravity. It is calculated as the mass of the object multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (\( F = m \cdot g \)), where \( g \) is approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \) at the surface of the Earth.
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Acceleration due to Gravity: When an object is in free fall, it accelerates toward the Earth at approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \), regardless of its mass (in the absence of air resistance). This means that all objects, assuming there is no other force acting on them (like air resistance), will fall with the same acceleration.
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Air Resistance: In real-world scenarios, air resistance (drag) affects falling objects, especially those with larger surface areas or lighter masses. For example, a feather falls slower than a rock because the feather experiences more air resistance relative to its weight. This drag force opposes the gravitational pull, resulting in a slower descent.
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Terminal Velocity: If an object falls for a long time, it may reach terminal velocity, which is the constant speed at which the force of gravity is balanced by the force of air resistance. At terminal velocity, the object no longer accelerates and falls at a steady speed.
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Free Fall: Objects are said to be in free fall when the only force acting on them is gravity. In this state, they experience weightlessness.
Overall, the process of falling due to gravity is governed by the principles of classical mechanics, and the motion can be described mathematically using equations of motion.