|
| The Net Force [F] acting
upon an object is directly related to the
object's Mass [M] times its Acceleration [A], as
described by Newton's Second Law of Motion: F = MA Therefore, A = F/M In this case, neglecting air resistance, [A] is the acceleration due to gravity, since the object is in free-fall. [F] is the gravitational force. On Earth: A = F/M = 9.81 m/s^2 or about 10 m/s^2 [1] |
 http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/newtlaws/u2l3e.cfm |
Perhaps
counter-intuitively, two objects of completely
different masses falling from the same point
will both fall at the same rate due to gravity.
This is because gravitational acceleration is
equal on both objects. The force of gravity on each is different and proportional to mass, but since gravitational acceleration is the same, both objects will increase in velocity at exactly the same rate.[2] |
By Ross MacDougall
Physics 104
Spring 2012
University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Effect of Gravity on Falling Objects