Chapter 1, Problem 1RCQ

Aristotle on Motion

1. What did Aristotle believe about the relative speeds of fall for heavy and light objects?

To determine

Aristotle’sconcept about the relative fall for heavy and light objects.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Aristotle believed heavy objects should travel faster than lighter objects.

Explanation of Solution

Aristotle’s put forward the idea about fall of bodies from daily life experiences, not on scientifically planned experiments.

Natural motion occurs as result of natural forces. Violent motion is produced by applying a force. Aristotle put forward two main assertions about the motion.

According to Aristotle, heavy objects must reach ground first than lighter objects when they are put together from a height. Aristotle also believed that force should provide continuously to keep motion and object stops when the pull is removed, thus, Aristotle argued that moving object stops when force vanishes.

Later from Galileo’s experiments, Aristotle’s ideas became irreverent.

Conclusion: Aristotle believed heavy objects should travel faster than lighter objects.