Fair Physics problem?

Question

True or false: Heavier objects fall faster than light ones.

it is my contention that because of air resistance, the lighter OR heavier object could fall faster. therefore there is no right answer if air resistance was assumed to be present. if air resistance was assumed not to be present, as in a vacuum, then the answer would be false as they both fall at the same rate.

Answer 1

False, but with a qualification. Under the influence of gravity alone, two objects will fall with equal acceleration. This is because the force of gravity on an object is directly proportional to its mass, while acceleration is directly proportional to force and inversely proportional to mass, meaning that acceleration under gravity has no dependence on mass. If they are released simultaneously, they will therefore fall with equal velocities at all times.

However, objects do not truly fall under the influence of gravity alone, because air resistance is present. Air resistance is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area of an object and to its velocity. The result is that denser objects and more spherical objects experience proportionately less upwards force due to air resistance, so ultimately a cannonball will fall faster than a hollow plastic egg, a feather, a piece of paper, or your mother-in-law.

Answer 2

True...less air resistance ;-)

Or false if the heavier object has a very large surface area.

In any case, I think the question isn't very well defined.

But, ignoring wind resistance, the acceleration due to gravity is a constant no matter what the mass of an object is.

Answer 3

Bettie, that is false. It is only from air resistance that heavier objects appear to fall faster than lighter.

Answer 4

This was proven false hundreds of years ago.

Answer 5

yes def 100% false