Answer Two Balls Thrown: Which Touches Ground First?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves two balls being thrown simultaneously, with one being dropped and the other thrown on a curve. Participants are discussing the implications of the phrasing and the physics involved in determining which ball touches the ground first.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the interpretation of "slightly on a curve" and its impact on the motion of the second ball. There is also discussion about the clarity of the question's wording and its implications for the physics involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing differing opinions on the clarity and validity of the question. Some have raised concerns about the phrasing and its potential to lead to multiple interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of specific details regarding the initial conditions of the second ball's motion, which may affect the analysis. Participants are also reflecting on the quality of the question itself.

usmarine
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This is an actual question on a test that I took yesterday and I want to know the answer.

"Two balls are thrown at the same time. The first ball is dropped. The second ball is thrown slightly on a curve. Which will touch the ground first?"

A. The first ball.
B. The second ball.
C. They will touch the ground at the same time.

Note: That's all the information that I was given.

I chose C. ...just because I really couldn't decide based on the information given in the question.
 
Last edited:
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"Slightly on a curve" leaves room for interpretation. If it means that the second ball has a small horizontal component of initial velocity but no vertical component, then you are correct. In my opinion this is a poorly phrased question, slightly.
 
Can you post the question verbatum--as it was written?
 
That is the exact phrasing of the question. All of the questions were phrased like this.
 
It's a nonsensical question. Whoever composed the question missed some education in both the subject and English language.
 
Last edited:

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