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2025-03-28
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Crash report
Physics Lab Online Coursebook
Do all objects fall at the same rate?
Physics Lab Online Coursebook
Do all objects fall at the same rate?
2025-03-28
17
Crash
report
Question
How does weight affect the rate at which an object falls?
Procedure
The writings of the Greek philosopher Aristotle included works on physical science theories. These were a major influence in the late Middle Ages. Aristotle reasoned that weight is a factor governing the speed of fall of a dropped object, and that the rate of fall must increase in proportion to the weight of the object.
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Tape four pennies together in a stack.
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Place the stack of pennies on your hand and place a single penny beside them.
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Observe Which is heaviest and pushes down on your hand the most?
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Observe Drop the two at the same time and observe their motions.
Analysis
According to Aristotle, what should be the rate of fall of the single penny compared to the stack? What did you observe?
Critical Thinking:
Explain which of the following properties might affect the rate of fall of an object: size, mass, weight, color, shape.
