A ball is dropped from the top of a tall building. Slightly later a second ball is thrown downward and catches up with the first ball. When the two balls pass one another,

compare the magnitudes of their acceleration: (a) The acceleration of the second ball is greater.

(b) The acceleration of the first ball is greater.

(c) The acceleration of both balls is the same.

(d) The acceleration is larger for the second ball initially. The acceleration of the first ball is

lager later.

(e) The accelerations are both zero.

Question

Corbin Bender

Physics

14 July, 01:23

A ball is dropped from the top of a tall building. Slightly later a second ball is thrown downward and catches up with the first ball. When the two balls pass one another,

compare the magnitudes of their acceleration: (a) The acceleration of the second ball is greater.

(b) The acceleration of the first ball is greater.

(c) The acceleration of both balls is the same.

(d) The acceleration is larger for the second ball initially. The acceleration of the first ball is

lager later.

(e) The accelerations are both zero.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Madalyn Wells · Answer 1

(c) The acceleration of both balls is the same.

Explanation:

Acceleration of any body freely falling is 9.81 m/s². The initial velocity of the body may be different but the acceleration is always constant.

Here, the second is thrown at a greater velocity than the first ball that is the only way the second ball can cross the first ball. The acceleration is constant so the initial velocity has to be different.

Hence, The acceleration of both balls is the same.