Question

Two blocks are at the top of a ramp. Block A slides without friction to the bottom, and at the same instant block B drops vertically to the ground. (a) Which block reaches the ground with the greater speed? Explain. (b) Which block reaches the ground first? Explain.

Answer 1

(a) they reach the ground at the same speed

(b) block B also reaches the ground first

Step-by-step explanation:

b)Although block A slides without friction. The acceleration A is the vertical component of g which gcos∅. This is always less than g.

Because block B is moving vertically it's acceleration equals g

g is greater than gcos∅

therefore, Block B reaches the ground first.

a) To calculate the speed for both masses to reach the ground without friction

we have

v= √2gh

for both blocks g and h are the same

therefore, they reach the ground at the same speed.