Question

Two objects have masses m and 5m, respectively. They both are placed side by side on a frictionless inclined plane and allowed to slide down from rest.

a) It takes the heavier object 10 times longer to reach the bottom of the incline than the lighter object.
b) It takes the heavier object 5 times longer to reach the bottom of the incline than the lighter object.
c) It takes the lighter object 10 times longer to reach the bottom of the incline than the heavier object.
d) It takes the lighter object 5 times longer to reach the bottom of the incline than the heavier object.
e) The two objects reach the bottom of the incline at the same time.

Answer 1

(E) The two objects reach the bottom of the incline at the same time.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

first object with mass, m

second object with mass, 5m

The acceleration of gravity for both object is the same = 9.8 m/s²

Since both objects have the same acceleration of gravity, and no external force due friction (frictionless inclined plane), they will reach bottom of the inclined at the time.

Thus, the acceleration due to gravity is constant for all objects regardless of their masses.

Therefore, the correct option is E;

(E) The two objects reach the bottom of the incline at the same time.