Module 2—Motion in Two Dimensions
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Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. You have two identical marbles that you send over the edge of the cliff at exactly the same time. Marble 1 is dropped from rest at the same time that marble 2 is thrown horizontally as illustrated here.
© Olaru Radian-Alexandru/shutterstock
Based on the initial motion of each marble, predict which one of the following events will occur if air resistance is negligible.
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Marble 1 hits the water first.
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Marble 2 hits the water first.
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Both marbles hit the water at the same time.
It is tempting to say that marble 1 would reach the water first because it is starting to move down immediately, whereas marble 2 is starting out horizontally. The following lab will help you determine the answer by allowing you to visually observe the path of two falling objects.