Are the two objects interchangeable—that is, can we swap A and B and get the same result?
A simple answer to your question is that atmosphere is not homogeneous. Dropping one object, say, over a hurricane downdraft and another over an updraft would result in different velocities relative to ground and so the one dropped from a higher altitude can reach the surface earlier.
So it seems we can swap both the objects and the locations?
In your setup, if we take object A and lower it to the altitude of B, then take B and lift it up to the (former) altitude of A, will the object B reach ground first?
So it seems we can swap both the objects and the locations?
Yes.
In your setup, if we take object A and lower it to the altitude of B, then take B and lift it up to the (former) altitude of A, will the object B reach ground first?
What does “equal” mean?
The same shape, mass and of the same material.
Are the two objects interchangeable—that is, can we swap A and B and get the same result?
A simple answer to your question is that atmosphere is not homogeneous. Dropping one object, say, over a hurricane downdraft and another over an updraft would result in different velocities relative to ground and so the one dropped from a higher altitude can reach the surface earlier.
Yes. We can swap A and B and get the same result.
No, we drop them both over the Central Atlantic and then both will have about the same weather.
It’s the same, unexceptional weather for both.
So it seems we can swap both the objects and the locations?
In your setup, if we take object A and lower it to the altitude of B, then take B and lift it up to the (former) altitude of A, will the object B reach ground first?
Yes.
Yes, the object B will reach ground first.
Can the objects do anything during their descent, such as opening a parachute at a predetermined altitude? changing their aerodynamics?
Also, can they include sensors and electronics?