Question

Two identical balls, one red and one blue, are thrown horizontally from the top of a tall building at the same time. The initial speed of the red ball is twice the initial speed of the blue one. Which of the following is true?

A. The red ball reaches the ground first.

B. The blue ball reaches the ground first.

C. Both balls reach the ground at the same time but hit with different speeds.

D. Both balls reach the ground at the same time and hit with the same speed.

E. Both balls travel the same horizontal distance.

Answer 1

Both balls reach the ground at the same time but hit with different speeds. Both balls travel the same horizontal distance.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two identical balls are thrown horizontally from the top of a tall building at the same time, the vertical motion of the balls is independent of the horizontal motion. The vertical positions and velocities of the balls are the same, regardless of their different initial horizontal velocities.

As a result, both balls reach the ground at the same time, even though they may hit with different speeds due to their different horizontal velocities. However, since there are no additional forces acting on the balls horizontally after they are thrown, both balls travel the same horizontal distance between flashes. It is important to note that this is true only under ideal conditions without air resistance.