A tall tube is evacuated MCAT-style, and suddenly, physics gets real.
What happens when you remove all the air from a long tube?
Will a feather and a rock fall at the same speed?
These are the kinds of questions the MCAT loves throwing at you.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.
The Classic a tall tube is evacuated mcat – Don’t Fall for It
Picture this: You’re deep into the MCAT, feeling good, and then boom – a question about a tall evacuated tube.
Sounds simple, but most people overthink it.
They start imagining weird forces, air resistance that doesn’t exist, and equations that don’t apply.
Here’s the reality:
- If a tube is evacuated, there’s no air.
- No air means no air resistance.
- Gravity is the only force acting.
- Everything falls at the same rate.
That’s it.
The MCAT wants you to second-guess this, but don’t.
A hammer and a feather drop at the same speed inside a vacuum.
Just like on the moon when Apollo astronauts tested it.

How the MCAT Loves to Trick You
a tall tube is evacuated mcat questions are designed to mess with your intuition.
You’ve spent your whole life seeing light objects float down and heavy ones drop fast.
That’s because of air resistance, not gravity.
When the test throws in a tall tube is evacuated MCAT-style, they’re removing air resistance to see if you really understand physics.
The trick?
- Don’t assume weight affects speed in free fall (it doesn’t).
- Ignore anything about “terminal velocity” (it only applies with air resistance).
- Just remember: g = 9.8 m/s² for everything.
Key Concept: Free Fall in a Vacuum
When an object is in free fall inside a vacuum, only gravity acts on it.
Here’s what you need to remember:
- The acceleration due to gravity is always 9.8 m/s².
- Mass doesn’t change acceleration.
- If two objects are dropped at the same time, they hit the ground at the same time.
This is basic Newtonian physics, but MCAT loves making it look more complicated.
Real-Life Example – The Apollo 15 Experiment
Not convinced?
NASA literally tested this concept on the moon, where there’s no atmosphere.
During Apollo 15, astronaut David Scott dropped a hammer and a feather at the same time.
Both hit the ground together.
That’s because a tall tube is evacuated MCAT-style is basically the moon’s surface.
No air = no resistance.

Common MCAT Answer Traps
“The heavier object falls faster.”
Nope. That’s only true when air resistance is involved.
“They will reach different terminal velocities.”
Wrong. There’s no air, so there’s no terminal velocity.
“Gravity acts more on the heavier object.”
Gravity pulls harder on heavier objects, but it also takes more force to accelerate them.
That cancels out, so acceleration stays 9.8 m/s² for everything.
How to Crush These Questions on Test Day
- Recognize the setup – If they mention “evacuated tube” or “vacuum,” air resistance is gone.
- Stick to basic physics – Ignore weight differences. Everything accelerates at 9.8 m/s².
- Don’t let them trick you – The MCAT loves making this look more complex than it is.
- Remember real-life examples – The moon experiment is the easiest way to visualize this.
FAQs
Why does the a tall tube is evacuated mcat this concept?
They want to see if you truly understand physics or if you rely on everyday intuition.
What happens if you drop a feather and a rock in normal air?
The rock lands first because of air resistance. But in a vacuum? Same landing time.
Do heavier objects experience more force from gravity?
Yes, but they also require more force to accelerate, which cancels out.
Where else can I see this concept in action?
Check out this clip of the Apollo 15 hammer-feather drop: NASA Source
How often does the a tall tube is evacuated mcat evacuated tubes?
It’s a classic question. If you’re taking the test, be ready for it.
Final Takeaway – Don’t Overthink It
If a tall tube is evacuated MCAT-style, everything falls at the same rate.
No air. No resistance. Just gravity.
This is one of those questions that should be easy points if you don’t let the test psych you out.
Stick to the basics, and you’ll get it right every time.