Relative velocities of balls on reaching the ground.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the final velocities of three balls dropped from the same height: one thrown upward, one thrown downward, and one simply dropped. Participants debate the final velocities, with some asserting that the upward and downward thrown balls will have the same final velocity upon hitting the ground, while the dropped ball will have a different velocity. There is confusion about the role of gravity and time in determining these velocities, with some suggesting energy conservation as a method to solve the problem. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the need for clarification on the question's requirements and the appropriate forum for such physics inquiries. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the principles of motion and acceleration in solving physics problems.
takando12
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Here's a physics question that's been giving me trouble. At a height H ,a ball A is thrown upward with a velocity of 20m/s and another B one is thrown down with a velocity of 20m/s and a third ball C is just dropped. Note that it's the same height for all three.I need to find the relation between their velocities when they hit the ground.
attempt at solving:
A - The velocity on hitting the ground must be the same as the projected velocity. So I think it's 20 m/s
B - Since it starts with 20m/s it's definitely going to speed up, so it's reasonable to assume that it's final velocity will be greater than A's.
C-This is where I'm confused. Using the formula v=u+gt and u=0 . v=gt .So the final velocity of C is solely dependent on t. Taking the falling part of A's journey, u=0 and v= 20m/s( from first assumption) using v=u+gt. gt=20 . Is the time for the falling of A and C the same and so the answer is A=C<B ?How do i proceed? I'm stumped.
 
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Are the sing of ##u## the same?
 
i can easily answer this question, but i can not understand that what kind of relation you want? can you please post the original question statement?
 
Sagar Singh said:
i can easily answer this question, but i can not understand that what kind of relation you want? can you please post the original question statement?
The last part of the question says " Find the relation between their velocities when they hit the ground"
there are options as well like A=B>C , A>B>C, A=C<B. Meaning of the course the velocity of A,B,C.
 
takando12 said:
How do i proceed?
Try energy conservation.
 
Brother this question not for solving it can easily be solved with just common sense , A is going upward with 20 m/s so after reaching H it will be 20m/s downward, so final velocity of A and B will be same, c is just dropped, and relative acceleration is 0, so difference between velocities V(a or b)- V(c)=20m/s
 
Sagar Singh said:
Brother this question not for solving it can easily be solved with just common sense , A is going upward with 20 m/s so after reaching H it will be 20m/s downward, so final velocity of A and B will be same, c is just dropped, and relative acceleration is 0, so difference between velocities V(a or b)- V(c)=20m/s
how can the final velocity of B be 20m/s? it's starting with 20m/s from the top and it will speed up right? it's accelerating under gravity so it should increase from 20m/s ? please correct me if i am wrong.
 
A.T. said:
Try energy conservation.
i give up. i don't know how energy conservation comes into this. Please help.
 
Write the energy conservation condition for the three cases.
 
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takando12 said:
how can the final velocity of B be 20m/s? it's starting with 20m/s from the top and it will speed up right? it's accelerating under gravity so it should increase from 20m/s ? please correct me if i am wrong.
i said difference between velocities, not actual velocities, we don't know time, we don't know height, so we cannot find actual velocity.
 
  • #11
Sagar Singh said:
i said difference between velocities, not actual velocities, we don't know time, we don't know height, so we cannot find actual velocity.
"so final velocity of A and B will be same"
you said the final velocity of A and B will be the same. A's final velocity is 20m/s, but B starts with 20m/s and speeds up right? so how can their final velocities be the same?
or does the velocity of B just be constant throughout the entire downward journey?
 
  • #12
A will go upward, reach a certain height, calculating, h=u*u/2g= 20m
ar an height of 20+H it will stop and start falling, when it falls 20. its velocity will be =20m/s, so both A and B will fall rom 20m/s downward.
 
  • #13
Takando12, this should have been posted in the introductory physics homework section, per the rules. If you still require help, please start a new thread there.

For the rest of you, please do not answer homework or homework-style questions that have been posted outside of the homework forums. Use the report function to bring them to the attention of the mentors.
 
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