Two blocks are released from the top of a building.One falls straight down while the other slides down a smooth ramp.If all friction is ignored,which one is moving faster when it reaches the bottom?
A)The block that went straight down.
B)The block that went down the ramp.
C)They both will have the same speed.
D)Insufficient information to work the problem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both blocks will have the same speed. This is because the speed of the falling block depends only on the height from which it was dropped and not on the path it took. Similarly, the speed of the sliding block depends only on the vertical distance it traveled, which is the same as the height from which the other block was dropped. Therefore, both blocks will reach the bottom with the same speed.

Two Blocks Are Released from the Top of a Building