A ball, P, is released from the roof of a building at the same time...
A ball, P, is released from the roof of a building at the same time as another ball, Q, is thrown vertically upward from the base of the building. Which of the following statements is correct?
- A. The acceleration of P is greater than that of Q and both are in the same direction.
- B. The acceleration of P is less than that of Q and both are in the same direction.
- C. The acceleration of P is equal to that of Q and both are in the same direction.
- D. The acceleration of P is equal to that of Q and are in opposite directions.
Correct Answer: C. The acceleration of P is equal to that of Q and both are in the same direction.
Explanation
When ball P is released from the roof of the building, it falls freely under the influence of gravity. Similarly, when ball Q is thrown vertically upward, it initially moves upward but is also under the influence of gravity, which acts to slow it down and eventually makes it fall back down. Both balls, P and Q, are subjected to the same acceleration due to gravity (assuming no other forces are acting on them), which is approximately 9.8 m/s2near the surface of the Earth, and this acceleration acts in the downward direction. Therefore, the acceleration of P is equal to the acceleration of Q, and both are in the same direction, which is downward.