Question

Spherical insulating ball and a spherical metallic ball of same size and mass are dropped from the same height. Choose the correct statement out of the following (Assume negligible air friction):

• A. Time taken by them to reach the earth's surface will be independent of the properties of their materials
• B. Insulating ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the metal ball
• C. Both will reach the earth's surface simultaneously
• D. Metal ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the insulating ball

Hint:

In the absence of air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of their mass or material.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyzing the Motion of the Balls
According to the laws of physics, in the absence of air friction (as stated in the problem), the time taken by an object to fall to the surface is independent of its mass or material. This principle is based on the equivalence of gravitational acceleration for all objects near Earth's surface.
The gravitational acceleration is the same for all objects, so the insulating ball and the metallic ball will both experience the same force (gravity) and will fall with the same acceleration.
Step 2: Conclusion
Since both balls have the same size and mass, and air friction is negligible, they will reach the earth's surface at the same time. Final Answer: Both the insulating ball and the metallic ball will reach the earth's surface simultaneously.