Two objects are dropped from a bridge, an interval of 1.0 s apart. Air resistance is negligible. During the time that both objects continue to fall, their separation
A) stays constant.
B) increases at first, but then stays constant.
C) decreases.
D) decreases at first, but then stays constant.
E) increases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since both objects are accelerating due to gravity at the same rate, the second object will continue to fall at an increasing velocity starting 1.0 s after the first object. This means the distance between them increases over time, as the second object covers more distance in each subsequent second than the first object did in the corresponding time interval.

Two Objects Are Dropped from a Bridge, an Interval of 1.0