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Is this why feathers fall slower than canon balls?

  1. Jun 2, 2010 #1
    Two objects of different mass should fall at the same time, both with acceleration g. That is if the objects are in a vacuum, have the same initial speed and height. However, considering air resistance, the acceleration diminishes until both the drag and the weight are equal. Now, a canon ball has a larger mass and weight than a feather. So according to this, am I right to assume it would take a longer time before it achieves equal weight and drag than a feather thus gaining a greater velocity?

    I would think the feather quickly obtains uniform speed due to its very low mass and that is why it falls slowly. Is this right?
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2010
  2. jcsd
  3. Jun 2, 2010 #2


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    Shape and density are important factors.

    A small ball and a large ball of the same material would fall at the same speed.