Question

Gravitational force acts on all objects in proportion to their masses. Why then, a heavy object does not fall faster than a light object?
[3 marks]

Answer 1

The gravitational force F acting on a body of mass m near the surface of earth is given by
$F=G\frac{M\times m}{R^2}$
where R = Radius of the earth
and M = Mass of the earth

=> Acceleration, $g=\frac{F}{m}$ = $G\frac{M}{R^2}$

(2 marks)

This value is constant (if we neglect air resistance) and does not depend upon the mass of an object. Hence, heavy objects do not fall faster than light objects.
(1 mark)