Choose the correct statement of the following:a)All bodies repel each ...
In option D, since we know the attractive force F between two bodies of masses m₁ and m₂, separated by distance r given by F = Gm₁m₂ / r²,
Considering M as the mass of earth, the acceleration on a particle of mass m would be g = F/m = GM / r².
Since this acceleration is independent of mass of the body, in vacuum, all bodies fall at the same rate under free fall.
View all questions of this testChoose the correct statement of the following:a)All bodies repel each ...
Explanation:
All bodies fall at the same rate in vacuum:
- According to the theory of gravity proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, all bodies fall at the same rate in a vacuum regardless of their mass. This is known as the equivalence principle, which states that the acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects.
- This means that if two objects of different masses are dropped from the same height in a vacuum, they will hit the ground at the same time. This principle was famously demonstrated by Galileo when he dropped two different-sized balls from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to show that they reached the ground simultaneously.
- The acceleration due to gravity in a vacuum is approximately 9.8 m/s^2, which means that all objects will fall at this rate regardless of their mass. This principle is fundamental to our understanding of gravity and the motion of objects in free fall.
- In the absence of air resistance and other external factors, the acceleration due to gravity remains constant, leading to all bodies falling at the same rate in a vacuum. This principle has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations, highlighting the universality of gravitational acceleration.