Physics Help Forum Explanation needed.

 Kinematics and Dynamics Kinematics and Dynamics Physics Help Forum

 Sep 12th 2009, 09:55 AM #1 Junior Member   Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 12 Explanation needed. “Any object dropped from a given height will fall with the same acceleration regardless of its mass”. Even though I understand this statement, could anyone give me an example using a mathematical equation so that I can fully understand the concept.
Sep 12th 2009, 09:58 AM   #2
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 Originally Posted by tsmith “Any object dropped from a given height will fall with the same acceleration regardless of its mass”. Even though I understand this statement, could anyone give me an example using a mathematical equation so that I can fully understand the concept.
The magnitude of the force between the Earth (mass $\displaystyle M$) and any body (mass $\displaystyle m$) is given by $\displaystyle F=\frac{GmM}{r^2}$. For the acceleration, as $\displaystyle F=ma$, simply divide the force by $\displaystyle m$.
The conclusion follows. (I hope you can fully understand it now)
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