Questions: A same-size iron ball and wooden ball are dropped simultaneously from a tower and reach the ground at the same time. The iron ball has a greater a. all of the above b. acceleration. c. none of the above d. momentum. e. speed.

A same-size iron ball and wooden ball are dropped simultaneously from a tower and reach the ground at the same time. The iron ball has a greater
a. all of the above
b. acceleration.
c. none of the above
d. momentum.
e. speed.

Transcript text: A same-size iron ball and wooden ball are dropped simultaneously from a tower and reach the ground at the same time. The iron ball has a greater a. all of the above b. acceleration. c. none of the above d. momentum. e. speed.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Problem

The problem involves two objects, an iron ball and a wooden ball, that are dropped simultaneously from a tower. They reach the ground at the same time, indicating that they fall under the influence of gravity alone, without any significant air resistance affecting them differently.

Step 2: Analyzing the Options

Acceleration: In the absence of air resistance, all objects near the Earth's surface fall with the same acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately \(9.81 \, \text{m/s}^2\). Therefore, both balls have the same acceleration.
Momentum: Momentum is given by the product of mass and velocity (\(p = mv\)). Since both balls reach the ground at the same time, they have the same velocity upon impact. However, the iron ball has a greater mass than the wooden ball, resulting in greater momentum for the iron ball.
Speed: As both balls fall freely under gravity and reach the ground simultaneously, they have the same speed upon impact.

Step 3: Determining the Correct Answer

Given the analysis, the only quantity that is greater for the iron ball compared to the wooden ball is momentum, due to its greater mass.