Gravity, weight and falling
Weight is how strong gravity pulls on an object. Gravity pulls everything down, but air can slow things like feathers or paper. Heavier objects fall faster in air because they push through the air more easily.
See worked examples
When Theo drops a book and a feather from the same height, which falls faster?
- The feather falls faster because it's lighter
- The book falls faster (right)
- Both fall at the same speed
When Luca drops a book and a feather from the same height, which falls faster?
- Both fall at the same speed
- The book falls faster (right)
- The book hits first due to air resistance
If Zoe jumps off a tree branch, why does Zoe fall down?
- Earth is too far to reach
- Air pushes objects upward
- Gravity pulls things toward Earth (right)
Tip: Weight is how strong gravity pulls on an object. Gravity pulls everything down, but air can slow things like feathers or paper. Heavier objects fall faster in air because they push through the air more easily.
Print a worksheet of this skill New questions and an answer key, free.
Learn it hands-on
- Forces at Work: Gravity, Resistance, Levers and Pulleys Grades 4–5 · printable lessons
- The Solar System: Gravity, Orbits and Scale Grades 5–8 · printable lessons
Practice without limits
Members practice as much as they like, every day, and get the printable packs and lessons too.