Heavy objects falling vs light objects?

Question

So if two balls of different masses but same sizes fall at the same rate, why is it that adding mass to an object makes it fall faster? I made a paper helicopter and added more and more paper clips to it each time after dropping it, and it started falling faster and faster. Why? (Explain without confusing terminology please)

Answer 1

Galileo's experiment would always be valid in a vacuum. It is not valid under all conditions on earth.

For objects of low density there is both buoyancy and there is air resistance.

There are winds and air currents that do not exist in space.



As your plane is DESIGNED to capture air it is particularly sensitive to any air movement.

But adding mass increases the downwards force so that for ANY condition of air movement the plane will fall faster by adding mass.



It would continue to do this until the mass was so great that the plane effectively fell at the rate "g".

Further addition of mass would then have no effect.

Answer 2

Heavier things (more mass) have higher terminal speeds than lighter ones in air. You know this. Just imagine dropping a feather and a bowling ball over your feet from the same height. Which of the two objects will slam into your big toe first.



Physics is obvious if you think about it a bit.



So as you add paper clips you are making the chopper weigh more and more like the bowling ball and less like the feather.

Answer 3

greater density for the air resistance