But how would that make the bowling ball fall faster? F = G × m₁ × m₂ / r² and F = m₁ × a ⇒ a = F / m = G × m₂ / r², where m₁ is the mass of the ball and m₂ the mass of the planet. So the gravitational acceleration of a bowling ball is independent of its mass (assuming the planet has way more mass than a bowling ball).
Does the bowling ball ever so slightly increase the gravitational constant because of it’s greater mass? Is that what the right guy is getting at?
The gravitational constant G, no, the mutual gravitational force between the earth and the ball approximated as g, yes.
Edit: Since this is a little pedantic, G is used to calculate g.
But how would that make the bowling ball fall faster? F = G × m₁ × m₂ / r² and F = m₁ × a ⇒ a = F / m = G × m₂ / r², where m₁ is the mass of the ball and m₂ the mass of the planet. So the gravitational acceleration of a bowling ball is independent of its mass (assuming the planet has way more mass than a bowling ball).
I guess the bowling ball attracts the Earth towards it, shortening the distance so it hits the ground faster