You are standing on top of a building. Two balls are thrown

In summary, the question of which ball arrives first when one is thrown upwards at 10 m/s and the other is thrown straight down at 10 m/s is a theoretical one. While the ball thrown upwards may have a greater gravitational potential energy, it also has a higher kinetic energy when it hits the ground due to falling a greater distance. However, this does not necessarily mean it will accelerate faster than the ball thrown downwards.
  • #1
valhallast
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One ball is thrown upwards at 10 m/s, the other is thrown straight down (not dropped) also at 10 m/s. Which ball arrives first?

This is more of a theoretical question than anything. I know the relevant equations such as v^2=u^2 +2as, but I was thinking that the height of the building has to count for something because the ball traveling straight upwards would gain gravitational potential energy. But "common sense" dictates that the ball thrown straight down would arrive at the floor first.
 
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  • #2
Remember that everything accelerates (generally) at 9.8 m/s^2 towards the ground due to gravity. While the higher ball thrown up will have a greater gravitational potential it will also have a higher kinetic energy when it hits the ground, this is because it has been falling a greater distance. That does not mean that it will manage to accelerate any faster than the ball thrown downwards.
 

FAQ: You are standing on top of a building. Two balls are thrown

What is the initial velocity of the balls?

The initial velocity of the balls would depend on the force with which they were thrown. It is possible for both balls to have different initial velocities.

What is the acceleration of the balls?

The acceleration of the balls would be due to the force of gravity pulling them downwards. The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.

Will both balls hit the ground at the same time?

If both balls were thrown from the same height and with the same initial velocity, they would hit the ground at the same time. However, if one ball was thrown with a greater initial velocity or from a higher height, it would hit the ground first.

What factors can affect the trajectory of the balls?

The factors that can affect the trajectory of the balls include initial velocity, angle of release, air resistance, and external forces such as wind or obstacles in the path.

How can we calculate the time it takes for the balls to hit the ground?

The time it takes for the balls to hit the ground can be calculated using the formula t = √(2h/g), where t is the time, h is the initial height of the balls, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. This formula assumes that the initial velocity of the balls is zero.

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