Statement: An object of mass M is falling freely and its acceleration remains constant.
Conclusion I: The velocity of the object increases uniformly.
Conclusion II: The acceleration of the object depends on its mass.
Choose the correct conclusion of the given statement:
- AOnly conclusion I is correct
- BOnly conclusion II is correct
- CBoth conclusions are correct
- DNeither conclusion is correct
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (a) Only conclusion I is correct
Explanation
A body falling freely has a constant acceleration g, so its velocity increases by the same amount every second (about 9.8 m/s each second). Conclusion I is correct.
The gravitational force on the body is mg, and by Newton's second law F = ma. So ma = mg and a = g, whatever the mass. In the absence of air resistance, a heavy and a light body fall with the same acceleration. Conclusion II is wrong.