Relative velocities of balls on reaching the ground.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relative velocities of three balls (A, B, and C) when they reach the ground from the same height H. Ball A is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 20 m/s, ball B is thrown downward with the same initial velocity, and ball C is simply dropped. The consensus is that balls A and B will have the same final velocity upon reaching the ground, while ball C will have a lower final velocity. The final velocities are determined by the principles of energy conservation and kinematic equations, leading to the conclusion that A = B > C.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinematic equations, specifically v = u + gt.
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in physics.
  • Familiarity with projectile motion concepts.
  • Basic grasp of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of kinematic equations in projectile motion.
  • Learn about energy conservation in mechanical systems.
  • Explore the effects of initial velocity on the motion of objects under gravity.
  • Investigate the differences between upward and downward projectile motion.
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Students studying introductory physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of projectile motion and gravitational effects.

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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  • #10
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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