Two balls of identical size and shape are dropped from the same height. One ball has a mass of 50kg and the other has a mass of only 10kg. Why do they reach the ground at the same time?

The only forces acting on the balls are gravity (pulling down) and air resistance (pushing up). Since the balls are the same shape and size, the air resistance will be the same on both. Likewise, the gravitational force is constant on Earth. Therefore the two balls experience exactly the same forces, so they fall at the same rate and hit the ground at the same time.

GP
Answered by Gregor P. Physics tutor

16069 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A mobile phone falls to the floor. The glass screen shatters while the aluminium frame remains intact. Explain why this happens in terms of the properties of glass and aluminium.


What type of radioactive decay reduces the mass number of a nucleus? Explain how it works.


What's the difference between a vector and a scalar?


A note was played on a a keyboard. The frequency of the note was 440 Hz. (a) What does a frequency of 440 Hz mean? (b) The sound waves produced by the keyboard travel at a speed of 340 m/s. Calculate the wavelength of the note.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning