Question

If paper and stone are dropped from rest simultaneously from the top of a tower, which would reach the ground first? (Neglect air/atmosphere resistance)

• A. Paper
• B. Stone
• C. Both will reach at the same time
• D. Whichever has heavier mass

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both will reach at the same time

All bodies near the surface of Earth have the same value of acceleration due to gravity irrespective of their masses. So, both paper and stone undergo the same acceleration equal to $9.8m{s}^{-2}$. According to equations of motion, the time at which they reach the ground depends only on acceleration and initial velocity. Hence, they hit the ground at the same time as initial velocities are zero.