Two stones, one of mass and the other of mass , are released simultaneously from rest…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
Two stones, one of mass 2kg and the other of mass 4kg, are released simultaneously from rest from the top of a tower 30m high. Air resistance is negligible.
(i) Derive an expression for the speed v of a stone just before it reaches the ground in terms of the height h from which it is released and the acceleration due to gravity g.
(ii) Using the expression derived in part (i), calculate the common speed of the two stones just before impact with the ground.
(iii) Compute the kinetic energy of each stone at the instant of impact.
(iv) Determine the ratio of the kinetic energies of the two stones and explain why this ratio differs from the ratio of their speeds.