Which ball will hit the ground first?

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In summary, the two tennis balls thrown simultaneously from the top of a building with horizontal velocities of 10 m/s and 14 m/s respectively will hit the ground at the same time, neglecting air resistance and assuming a flat Earth. This is due to the fact that both balls experience the same vertical acceleration and have the same vertical distance to travel.
  • #1
Idrees
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What hits the ground first??

Homework Statement



If we simultaneously throw two tennis balls horizontally from the top of a building, one at 10 m/s and the other at 14 m/s. Neglecting the air resistance, which one will hit the ground first?

Homework Equations


i don't think we use equations, but we have to consider the speed of each ball and how they are thrown horizontally??


The Attempt at a Solution



I think the ball with 10 m/s should hit the ground first because it won't reach far and eventually fall vertically from the top of buliding ?? please help out??
 
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  • #2


They both start with a vertical velocity of 0.

Horizontal velocity does not affect vertical velocity.
 
  • #3


You could also use equations of projectile motion to confirm this.
 
  • #4


Technically, the 10 m/s tennis ball will hit the ground first, but not for the reason you mentioned.

It's because the Earth is round! The ground where the 14 m/s tennis ball impacts is just a few microns lower, so that ball has further to fall!

Otherwise, assuming flat Earth, they'd both hit at the same time.
 
  • #5


Yes, considering the Earth is flat, they both will hit at the same time.
The one with an initial speed of 10m/s will travel a less distance and the one with an initial velocity of 14m/s will travel more, but they will take the same time.
You can verify this with this equation:
For motion on the y-axis:- h=uyt - 1/2gt2

since 'uy' is zero, the equation simplifies to:-

h= -1/2gt2
or, t=sqrt of (2h/g)

Since 'h' and 'g' are same in the case of both the balls, the time taken by each to reach the ground will be equal.
 

1. What is the concept of "What hits the ground first?"

The concept of "What hits the ground first?" refers to the principle of gravity, which states that objects with mass will be pulled towards the Earth's center at a constant rate of 9.8 meters per second squared. This means that any object that is dropped from a height will eventually hit the ground due to the force of gravity.

2. Does the weight of an object affect what hits the ground first?

No, the weight of an object does not affect what hits the ground first. The only factor that determines what hits the ground first is the force of gravity, which is constant for all objects on Earth. This means that a heavier object and a lighter object, when dropped from the same height, will hit the ground at the same time.

3. What is the difference between mass and weight in relation to what hits the ground first?

Mass and weight are two different concepts that are often confused with each other. Mass is a measure of an object's inertia, or its resistance to changes in motion. Weight, on the other hand, is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object. In terms of what hits the ground first, the mass of an object does not affect its rate of falling, but the weight does as it is a measure of the force pulling the object towards the ground.

4. What other factors, besides gravity, can affect what hits the ground first?

There are a few other factors that can affect what hits the ground first, such as air resistance and altitude. Air resistance is the force that acts against the motion of an object through the air, and it can cause objects to fall at different rates depending on their shape and size. Altitude can also affect an object's rate of falling, as objects will fall faster at higher altitudes due to the decrease in air resistance.

5. Are there any exceptions to the principle of gravity when it comes to what hits the ground first?

In most cases, the principle of gravity holds true and objects will fall at a constant rate towards the ground. However, there are some exceptions, such as objects in orbit or objects falling in a vacuum. In these cases, the principles of orbital mechanics and free fall come into play, and the objects may not hit the ground first as they are affected by other forces besides gravity.

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