Is "Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects in free fall" still taught in school?

Galileo and later experiments showed that in a vacuum all objects accelerate equally under gravity. In air, lighter objects may fall more slowly because of drag, not because weight alone determines…

What you were taught

Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects in free fall

What we know now

Galileo and later experiments showed that in a vacuum all objects accelerate equally under gravity. In air, lighter objects may fall more slowly because of drag, not because weight alone determines acceleration.

Updated understanding emerged around 1971

Common questions

Was "Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects in free fall" taught in school?
Yes. This science idea was commonly taught, especially during the 1970s.
Is "Heavier objects fall faster than lighter objects in free fall" true?
No. Galileo and later experiments showed that in a vacuum all objects accelerate equally under gravity.
When was this understanding updated?
Updated understanding emerged around 1971.

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Data compiled from scientific literature and educational research