Q: Pilot in a Plane - Which Ball Hits Ground First?

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In summary, the question is whether a dropped ball or a thrown ball will reach the ground first. The answer depends on whether the balls are dropped and thrown at the same time. Assuming they are, the thrown ball will arrive first due to its initial velocity. However, without any other information provided, it is impossible to determine an exact time for either ball to reach the ground.
  • #1
Minibyte
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If one ball is dropped and another is thrown down, which will arrive at the ground first?

Won't they get there at the same time?

Thanks

MB
 
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  • #2
Your question is vague. Are the balls dropped and thrown at the same time? Assuming they are the down thrown will arrive first. You need to solve for t in the equation:
h-vt-.5gt2=0, where h is the initial height, v is the initial speed, and g is the gravitational constant. Air resistance is neglected - however, if both balls are the same the net effect will be the same on both.

For the dropped ball v=0 while the thrown ball starts with v>0, so t will be less.
 
  • #3
Yes, dropped and thrown at the same time. No other information provided. No velocity, speed, just that vague question.
 

Q: How does the weight or size of the balls affect their time to hit the ground?

The weight or size of the balls does not affect their time to hit the ground. In a vacuum, all objects, regardless of their weight or size, will fall at the same rate due to the force of gravity.

Q: What role does air resistance play in determining which ball hits the ground first?

Air resistance does play a role in determining which ball hits the ground first. The ball with a smaller surface area or more streamlined shape will experience less air resistance and therefore fall faster than a ball with a larger surface area or less streamlined shape.

Q: How does the angle at which the balls are dropped affect their time to hit the ground?

The angle at which the balls are dropped does not affect their time to hit the ground. In a vacuum, all objects will fall at the same rate regardless of the angle at which they are dropped.

Q: What other factors besides gravity can impact the time it takes for the balls to hit the ground?

Besides gravity, the only other factor that can impact the time it takes for the balls to hit the ground is air resistance. Other factors such as the height at which the balls are dropped, the surface from which they are dropped, and any external forces acting on the balls can affect their trajectory but not their time to hit the ground.

Q: How can the results of this experiment be applied to real-life situations?

The results of this experiment can be applied to real-life situations in the field of physics and engineering. Understanding the principles of gravity and air resistance can help in designing and building structures, vehicles, and other objects that need to be able to withstand the forces of gravity and air resistance. It can also help in predicting the trajectory of objects in motion, such as projectiles or falling objects.

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