Suppose you are in a spaceship in freefall between Earth and the moon. How could you distinguish between a lead brick and an ordinary brick if you were blindfolded and wore gloves?
Give each a push. F=ma
Guess what the less massive one does?
goes less further?
If you were blindfolded and wore gloves in a spaceship in freefall between Earth and the moon, it would be challenging to directly distinguish between a lead brick and an ordinary brick using only your senses. However, there is a way to indirectly differentiate between the two by utilizing the concept of mass and weight.
Here's how you can do it:
1. Start by locating a known reference object: Look for a different object whose identity and weight you are aware of. For example, you could locate a common item like a steel ball bearing.
2. Compare the weights: Hold both the reference object (e.g., the steel ball bearing) and the unknown object (either the lead brick or ordinary brick) in your hand. While they might feel similar in terms of shape and texture, there will be a difference in weight.
3. Observe the relative motion: Observe the relative motion of the two objects while in freefall. Due to their different masses, the lead brick will have more weight and will exert a stronger force against your hand. This might result in the lead brick feeling slightly heavier or causing more resistance as you move your hand.
4. Analyze the data: Based on the differences in weight and resistance experienced, you can infer which object is the lead brick. Remember, lead is significantly denser than most ordinary bricks, so the lead brick will have a more pronounced weight and resistance compared to the ordinary brick.
While this approach may not provide a 100% definitive answer, it can help you make an educated guess based on the observed differences in weight and resistance.