Which falls faster 1 lb of lead or 1 lb of feathers?

Answer 1

Since lead is heavier, one would think it would fall faster. But, in fact, both will fall at the same speed. Earth's gravitational force directly depends on the mass (F=mg). Since their mass is equal (1 lb), both would be pulled by the equal quantity of force and hence fall at the same speed.

Answer 2

Where there is no air, all objects fall at the same speed, no matter what their mass, weight, cost, color, size, or temperature might be. But it's tough to find a place where you can drop things through no air. When things are dropped through air, their acceleration and speed depend on their weight, size, and shape.

For the specific situation you have described, the answer are as follows:

-- Through no air, they fall together.

-- Through air, the lead falls faster, because the feathers are bigger, and have more air-resistance (friction) working against their fall.

IF you could stuff the feathers into a box that's exactly the same size and shape as the lump of lead, then they would both fall with the same acceleration and speed, even through air.

Answer 3

They would fall at the same rate, as the gravitational force on both objects is the same (1 lb). However, the feathers would experience more air resistance due to their larger surface area, causing them to fall more slowly in practice.