Chapter 1, Problem 77A

To determine

The reason for the incorrect hypothesis about the speed of lighter and heavier objects.

Answer to Problem 77A

The Greeks believed in the wrong hypothesis about the fall of heavier and lighter object due to neglect of the air resistance.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The speed of the objects during the fall from a height depends on the air resistance on the object. The object which has low value of the air resistance falls faster than the object that has high air resistance.

The Greeks believed that heavier object fall faster than the lighter object because they perform the experiment without considering the effect of the friction of the air that reduces the speed of the objects. The Greeks had not any device that could measure the air resistance.

Conclusion:

Thus, the Greeks believed in the wrong hypothesis about the fall of heavier and lighter object due to neglect of the air resistance.