Two solid spheres of different masses are released from rest at the same height inside a vacuum chamber.
Which row correctly describes what happens and the physical reason why?
What will happenWhyABoth spheres reach the bottom at the same timeThe acceleration of free fall is independent of massBBoth spheres reach the bottom at the same timeThey both fall at a constant velocityCThe heavier sphere reaches the bottom firstThe gravitational force is larger, so it accelerates fasterDThe lighter sphere reaches the bottom firstObjects with less mass have less inertia \begin{array}{|c|l|l|} \hline & \textbf{What will happen} & \textbf{Why} \\ \hline \textbf{A} & \text{Both spheres reach the bottom at the same time} & \text{The acceleration of free fall is independent of mass} \\ \hline \textbf{B} & \text{Both spheres reach the bottom at the same time} & \text{They both fall at a constant velocity} \\ \hline \textbf{C} & \text{The heavier sphere reaches the bottom first} & \text{The gravitational force is larger, so it accelerates faster} \\ \hline \textbf{D} & \text{The lighter sphere reaches the bottom first} & \text{Objects with less mass have less inertia} \\ \hline \end{array} ABCDWhat will happenBoth spheres reach the bottom at the same timeBoth spheres reach the bottom at the same timeThe heavier sphere reaches the bottom firstThe lighter sphere reaches the bottom firstWhyThe acceleration of free fall is independent of massThey both fall at a constant velocityThe gravitational force is larger, so it accelerates fasterObjects with less mass have less inertiaRow A
Row B
Row C
Row D
204 exam-style questions on CIE IGCSE Physics Motion, covering Motion. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.