Two blocks are at the top of a ramp. Block A slides without friction to the bottom, and at the same instant block B drops vertically to the ground. (a) Which block reaches the ground with the greater speed? Explain. (b) Which block reaches the ground first? Explain.

(a) they reach the ground at the same speed

(b) block B also reaches the ground first

Explanation:

b) Although block A slides without friction. The acceleration A is the vertical component of g which gcos∅. This is always less than g.

Because block B is moving vertically it's acceleration equals g

g is greater than gcos∅

therefore, Block B reaches the ground first.

a) To calculate the speed for both masses to reach the ground without friction

we have

v = √2gh

for both blocks g and h are the same

therefore, they reach the ground at the same speed.