Two identical steel balls are released simultaneously from the same height above…
PHYSICS · Single correct · CBSE · Physics · Motion in a Plane · Motion in a Plane
Problem
Two identical steel balls are released simultaneously from the same height above level ground. One ball is simply dropped from rest, while the other is projected horizontally with a speed of 10ms−1. Air resistance is negligible. Which statement best describes the time each ball takes to hit the ground?
(a) The projected ball reaches the ground sooner because its horizontal speed adds to its downward motion.
(b) The times differ only if the masses of the balls are different; otherwise the heavier one lands first.
(c) Both balls reach the ground at the same time because their vertical accelerations are identical and independent of any horizontal motion.
(d) The projected ball reaches the ground later because it travels a longer overall path before landing.