13. Two stones of different masses are dropped simultaneously from the top of a building A.Smaller stone reaches the ground earlier B.Larger stone reaches the ground earlier C.Both the stones reach the ground at the same time D.Depends on the composition of the stone
Option C Solution: Both stones reach the ground at the same time. The initial speed is 0 for both stones, and the only acceleration working in that system would be g (Gravity acceleration). So, as the distance is the same, the final speed will be the same time. The only reason which could change this result is a difference in the shape of the stones. While they fall to the ground, they must “open” a way across the air. The shape of the falling object will decide the force needed to open that way. This is called the “Air resistance”. Depending on the shape of the object, the resistance force will be bigger or smaller. As this force works counter to g, the falling time will decrease. Between a feather and a plumb ball, the falling time will be the same in vacuum, but inside air, the resistance force for the feather has almost the same value than gravity, while for the ball, the resistance is very much weaker than gravity.
