Question

Gravity has a higher effect on what kind of vehicles?

Answer 1

Gravity exerts a higher force on heavier vehicles like cars and trucks compared to lighter ones like bicycles, yet all objects accelerate at the same rate in free fall, unaffected by mass. Differences in how gravity affects vehicles are influenced by air resistance and design, not mass.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect gravity has on vehicles is largely determined by their respective masses and the distances from which they fall towards the Earth. Bigger and heavier vehicles like cars and trucks will experience higher force due to gravity compared to lighter vehicles like bicycles. However, it's important to note that all objects, irrespective of their mass, will accelerate at the same rate when in free fall and in the absence of air resistance, as proven by Galileo. The observed differences in how gravity affects vehicles on Earth are mostly due to factors like air resistance and mechanical design, such as the usage of plastic components in cars which can help reduce their overall mass and improve gas mileage.

In the specific scenario where a car goes over the top with such a speed that the gravitational force is the only force acting, it will behave similar to objects in free fall or satellites in orbit, where the sensation of weightlessness can occur. This is comparable to the 'weightless' experience astronauts have while orbiting the Earth in the Space Shuttle, as both the shuttle and its inhabitants are in free fall towards Earth.

Answer 2

Gravity is the force that pulls vehicles toward Earth. It depends on the mass of the object. The bigger the mass the bigger the gravity force.
Gravity has a higher effect on heavy, large and high profile vehicles. The heavier the vehicle the bigger the force that pulls the vehicle toward Earth.