Chapter 4, Problem 49A

Two balls are released simultaneously from rest at the left ends of the equal-length tracks A and B as shown. Which ball reaches the end of its track first?

To determine

The ball that will reach first at the end of its track.

Answer to Problem 49A

Ball on track A will reach first at the end of its track.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When object falls from the height, its speed increases because gravitational force acting on it is in the direction of its speed.

When object moves in upward direction its velocity or speed decreases because, it must have to do work against gravity of Earth for motion.

Tracks of both balls are shown below.

  

Both track lengths are equal and balls are released from rest.

For track A, ball reaches first because in their track there is no upward motion.

For track B, there is one point where it must have to moves in upward direction. So, it will take more time.

Conclusion:

Ball on track A will reaches first at the end of its track.