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Hammer & feather falling
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Hammer & feather falling
Gravity. Computer graphics image of a hammer and a feather falling together, illustrating the concept of gravity. Any two objects, of different masses, accelerate at identical rates at the same gravitational potential. In other words, a hammer and a feather, when dropped together, should fall at the same speed. The fact that they do not on Earth is due solely to air resistance. During the Apollo Moon flights, one of the astronauts successfully demonstrated this principle, taking advantage of the lack of atmosphere on the Moon. The feather and hammer he dropped fell at the same rate
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6274151
© MEHAU KULYK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Effects Falling Gravity Physical Effect
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This print from Science Photo Library captures the essence of gravity in a visually stunning manner. The image showcases a computer-generated depiction of a hammer and feather falling together, beautifully illustrating the concept of this fundamental force. In the world we inhabit, objects with different masses fall at different speeds due to air resistance. However, according to the laws of physics, any two objects should accelerate at identical rates when subjected to the same gravitational potential. This means that if a hammer and feather were dropped simultaneously without any interference from air resistance or other factors, they would indeed fall at the same speed. During one of NASA's Apollo Moon flights, an astronaut astoundingly demonstrated this principle by conducting an experiment in the absence of Earth's atmosphere. With no air resistance on the Moon's surface, he dropped both a feather and a hammer simultaneously – and astonishingly witnessed them descend at equal rates. This image serves as a powerful reminder that even though our everyday experiences may suggest otherwise, gravity is an impartial force that treats all objects equally under ideal conditions. It highlights how scientific exploration can provide us with profound insights into natural phenomena like gravity while challenging our preconceived notions about how things behave in our own environment.
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