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

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the physics question of which ball hits the ground first when one is dropped and the other is thrown downward. It concludes that the thrown ball will arrive first due to its initial velocity, as described by the equation h - vt - 0.5gt² = 0, where h is the initial height, v is the initial speed, and g is the gravitational constant. The analysis assumes both balls are released simultaneously and neglects air resistance. The key takeaway is that the initial speed of the thrown ball reduces the time to impact compared to the dropped ball.

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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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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.
 
Yes, dropped and thrown at the same time. No other information provided. No velocity, speed, just that vague question.
 

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