1. Gravity is a universal force: Gravity affects all objects with mass, regardless of their size or composition. It's a fundamental force that pulls objects towards each other.
2. Acceleration due to gravity is independent of mass: The acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s². This value is constant for all objects near the Earth's surface, regardless of their mass.
3. Air resistance: While air resistance can affect the overall motion of the objects, it doesn't change the acceleration due to gravity. The cannonball will experience less air resistance due to its greater mass and density, but both objects still accelerate downwards at the same rate due to gravity.
Think of it this way: Imagine dropping a feather and a bowling ball from the same height in a vacuum (where there is no air resistance). Both would fall at the same rate and hit the ground simultaneously, because the force of gravity acts equally on them.
In summary: The acceleration due to gravity is the same for all objects near the Earth's surface, regardless of their mass or size. Air resistance can affect the objects' overall motion, but it doesn't change the fundamental acceleration due to gravity.