Why magnet attracts lighter object faster, but earths gravity attracts all objects at same speed?

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If you have 2 iron spheres and a magnet, the lighter sphere will move first to the magnet. But with earths gravity fall tests we know that every object falls with the same speed when dropped no matter theirs weight. What makes it different?

In: Physics

20 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Mass, and how it fits.

1) Gravity is proportional to mass. Double the ball’s mass, get double the pull.

2) Magnetism isn’t proportional to mass. Double the ball’s mass, get the same pull.

3) In both cases, there’s also inertia trying to keep things the same. Inertia is proportional to mass. Double the ball’s mass, get twice the reluctance to accelerate.

So. See what happens when you double the mass.

a) Gravity. Double the pull; double the inertia. The two cancel out. A heavier ball accelerates in just the same way as a lighter one.

b) Magnetism. Same pull; double the inertia. Inertia wins. A heavier ball accelerates more slowly than a lighter one.

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