University Physics with Modern Physics, Volume 2 (Chs. 21-37); Mastering Physics with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card (14th Edition)
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Chapter 13, Problem 13.1DQ

A student wrote: “The only reason an apple falls downward to meet the earth instead of the earth rising upward to meet the apple is that the earth is much more massive and so exerts a much greater pull.” Please comment.

Expert Solution & Answer
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To determine

Validation of the given statement

Explanation of Solution

Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The gravitational force exerted on an apple by the earth will be equal in magnitude and opposite in direction as the gravitational force exerted on the earth by the apple.

As F=ma, then acceleration a=Fm so the movement of the apple is simply much easier to see as the apple’s smaller mass leads to a larger acceleration. Thus, the increase in speed of the apple as it nears the ground is very apparent. On the other hand, the mass of the earth is very large. Therefore, the value of its acceleration will be much lower.

Conclusion: The reason that apple falls downward to meet the earth instead of the earth rising upward to meet the apple is that the earth is much more massive and so exerts a much greater pull.

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Chapter 13 Solutions

University Physics with Modern Physics, Volume 2 (Chs. 21-37); Mastering Physics with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card (14th Edition)

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