One stone is dropped from the side of a bridge, and a second is dropped from the same place a short time later (while the first stone is still in the air). What is true about the distance between the stones as a function of time after both have been dropped (and before either reaches the ground)? Ignore air resistance.
A) increases, finally reaching a constant value
B) always increases
C) is constant
D) decreases, and then reaches a constant value
E) always decreases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since both stones are in free fall, they both accelerate at the same rate due to gravity. The second stone starts its fall a bit later, so the first stone always has a head start. This means the distance between them increases over time, but it doesn't reach a constant value or decrease because both stones are accelerating at the same rate continuously.

One Stone Is Dropped from the Side of a Bridge