Question

(a) Identical packets are dropped from two aeroplanes, one above the equator and the other above the north pole, both at height h. Assuming all conditions are identical, will these packets take same time to reach the surface of the earth? Justify your answer.
(b) It is seen that a falling apple is attracted towards the earth. Does the apple also attract the earth? If so, we do not see the earth moving towards the apple. Why?​

Answer 1

Answer:

a) No, those packets do not take same time to reach the surface of the earth.

b) The Earth attracts an apple and so does the apple attracts the earth with an equal and opposite force. Mass of the Earth is extremely massive as compared to that of the moon. So, the acceleration produced is very small as compared to that in the apple. Hence, the motion of the earth towards the apple is not noticeable.