A particle $A$ is dropped from a height and another particle $B$ is projected in the horizontal dire

Question

A particle $A$ is dropped from a height and another particle $B$ is projected in the horizontal direction with a speed of $5 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}$ from the same height. Which of the following statements is correct regarding their velocities when they hit the ground?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

(a) : Both particles undergo the same vertical displacement under gravity, so their vertical velocity components upon hitting the ground ($v_y = \sqrt{2gh}$) will be identical. However, particle $B$ also retains its initial horizontal velocity component ($v_x = 5 \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}$). Since the net speed is $\sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}$, particle $B$ strikes the ground with a greater overall speed.