Physics · The potential energy of a spring, conservation of mechanical energy, conservative and non-conservative forces

Two spherical balls of the same radius but of different masses, are dropped at t

Two spherical balls of the same radius but of different masses, are dropped at the same time from the top of a tower 19.6m high. When they are \( 1.6 \mathrm{m} \) above the ground, the balls will possess the same

  • A. K.E.
  • B. P.E.
  • C. momentum
  • D. total energy

Step-by-step solution

The balls are dropped from rest under gravity (neglecting air resistance). Their total mechanical energy, which is the sum of kinetic and potential energy, is conserved. At any point during the fall, each ball's total energy equals its initial potential energy (mgH), which remains constant for that ball. Although the kinetic energy, potential energy, and momentum differ due to different masses, total energy is conserved for each ball individually. Therefore, at 1.6 m above ground, the balls possess the same total energy as they had initially.
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