Science and math wizards: which would land first if thrown off a 30' rooftop:1lb feathers or 1pound of gold?

Question

The pound of feathers would land first. Why? Think before scrolling down for answer.





























































































Feathers are measured in dry STANDARD weight with 16 oz equalling one "pound."

Gold, however, is measured in TROY weight, with one "pound" being made up of only (brain fart) 10 or 12 oz.

Oh, sure. My chance to be a smart aleck and I blow the punchline, but it is still true, even if the last line is askew.

Answer 1

While you are correct in weights did you stop to take into consideration mass? Wind resistance? The larger surface area of the feathers even assuming they were in a bag that was weightless, (have you seen how much surface area is taken up by a pound of feathers) would suffer much more resistance while the small surface area of the gold would allow the gold to gain much more velocity. Would have been better if you had asked which weighed more.

Answer 2

Good job! However, there are a lot more variables involved than just the weight. You must also consider the area each takes up, giving you the resistance factor that very well could blow your answer. If only I had a pound of gold...

Answer 3

Only if the gold was first melted to steam; then the air would have a greater effect upon it than the feathers.

Answer 4

Considering them as the same size, mass and sphere shape, they would reach the ground at the same time.

Answer 5

In a vacuum they would both land at the same time.

Answer 6

you are an idiot...
i swear man...
it dosen't matter...
its like asking..
which would fall first a psp with umd disc or psp with no umd?
THeY fall same.....
and you friggin idiot feathers would fly everywhere...

(33 seconds ago )