When two 2 objects (one weight 1 lb. the other weighing 1/2 lb.), when propelled vertically with the same force, from the same launch pad, why does the heavier object travel higher?
2007-02-07 03:16:31 · 6 answers · asked by mountainfiremarshall 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
It doesn't. The lighter object travels higher.
Weight is the force of gravity on an object. It's equal to the mass of the object times gravitational acceleration. (F = ma)
If you apply a force to some object, the object's acceleration will be: a = F/m (same equation, just rearranged). The heavier object has more mass, so it's acceleration is less. The heavier object never reaches the speed that the lighter object has since it didn't accelerate as fast.
The easy way to see the difference is to subtract the opposing forces. Both objects were propelled vertically with the same force, but the heavier object had a greater force acting against it, so it's NET FORCE will be less than the net force on the lighter object.
2007-02-07 03:27:07 · answer #1 · answered by Bob G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question is confusing, as seen by some of the answers you're getting. My confusion comes from the fact that I can't tell if the force only acts on the object on the launch pad (i.e., a big spring is compressed the same amount for each object and shoots it up, after which it's in free fall), or if the force continues with the object (i.e. a rocket is attached to the object and provides a continuous force acting against gravity). You'll get different answers in either case.
2007-02-07 03:43:41 · answer #2 · answered by Grizzly B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If launched with the same force, they have both received an equivalent amount of initial energy which is quickly dissipating as they get higher, the dissipation is greater in the case of the larger body since with the acceleration due to gravity being the same for the two objects, the weight of the larger object will counteract more the initial energy (or force) and so the lighter body of 0.5Ibs will rise the highest...
2007-02-07 03:24:29 · answer #3 · answered by RobLough 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once they leave the launchpad, their motion does not depend on their mass. But in the launchpad, if the same force is applied to a light weight and a heavy weight, the light weight will go faster.
Once in the air, the one with the greater initial speed will go higher.
2007-02-07 03:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by Gnomon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the force is UPWARD, it won't. The lighter one will go higher.
2007-02-07 03:19:24 · answer #5 · answered by Elana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has more momentum.
Momentum + Mass X Velocity
2007-02-07 03:21:32 · answer #6 · answered by Captain Jack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋