Chapter 3, Problem 7A

Galileo let a ball roll down one incline and then up another. Compared with its initial height, how high did the ball roll up the second incline?

To determine

The final height that the ball will roll up on the second incline as compared to its initial height if it rolls down one incline and then up another.

Answer to Problem 7A

Its height on the second incline will be same as compared to its initial height.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When the ball rolls down a first incline, it will move in the direction of the gravity and when it moves up the second incline, it will move against the gravity.

When the ball moves on the first incline, gravity will support its motion while when ball moves on the second incline, gravity acts as opposite to the direction of the motion of the ball.

However, in the experiment conducted by the Galileo, it was observed that the ball will move to the same height on the second incline as it is initial height on the first incline.

Conclusion:

Hence, initial and final height of the ball will be same on both the inclines.