Ball thrown upward vs dropped ball: do they reach the ground simultaneously?

[cmkc109]

Homework Statement

A ball is thrown up , another is dropped. Do they arrive at the same time?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I think they won't because the ball which is thrown up has a greater distance to travel, but I am not sure, can someone explain please?

 

[Borek]

Arrive where?

 

[cmkc109]

the ground of course..

 

[Nugso]

If I get the question right, you should do the following;

Assume that the current height of the balls is x. The first one is thrown up whereas the second is dropped. Distance the second ball travels can be found by using the following equation ; x=x0 + V0.t + 1/2at²

Now, let's say the first ball will go h higher hence the total distance travels is 2h+x. Now, you can do the same above equation and can find the total time.

Hope, I'm not mistaken.

 

[SteamKing]

Hey, what the, just get two balls and perform the experiment.

 

[CWatters]

There is an easy way to look at the problem. The ball that is thrown upwards will eventually come to a halt at some height H. So in effect you have two balls that are being dropped from different heights...and one has a head start.