Why does a feather fall slower than a rock?

Introduction: The Paradoxical Phenomenon

It is a paradoxical phenomenon that a feather falls slower than a rock despite both being dropped from the same height. It seems to defy the fundamental principles of gravity and motion, which dictate that objects should fall at the same rate regardless of their weight or size. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that there are several factors at play that affect the way objects fall through the air.

The Concept of Air Resistance

The primary factor that causes a feather to fall slower than a rock is air resistance. Air resistance, also known as drag, is the force that opposes the motion of objects through the air. When an object falls from a height, it encounters air molecules that push back against it, slowing it down. The amount of air resistance depends on the shape and size of the object, as well as the speed at which it is falling. In general, objects with a larger surface area experience more air resistance than those with a smaller surface area. This is why a feather, which has a larger surface area than a rock, encounters more air resistance and falls slower.