A golf ball and a Ping-Pong ball are dropped in a vacuum chamber.When they have fallen halfway to the floor,they have the same
A)speed.
B)potential energy.
C)kinetic energy.
D)momentum.
E)speed,potential energy,kinetic energy,and momentum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a vacuum chamber, there is no air resistance acting on the two balls. Therefore, both the golf ball and the Ping-Pong ball are under the influence of gravity only, and they accelerate at the same rate.

According to the laws of motion, the distance fallen by an object is proportional to the square of the time taken to fall. Since the two balls have the same acceleration, they will cover the same distance in the same time when dropped from the same height.

Hence, halfway down, both balls will have covered the same distance and will be traveling at the same velocity, or in other words, the same speed. Therefore, choice A) speed is the correct answer.

The potential energy of the balls at this point will be different because they have different masses and are at different heights. The kinetic energy of the balls will also be different, as they have different masses and velocities. The momentum of the balls will also be different due to their differing masses and velocities. Therefore, choices B), C), D), and E) are incorrect.

A Golf Ball and a Ping-Pong Ball Are Dropped in a Vacuum