Q. 39 A cricket bowler releases the ball in two different ways

(a) giving it only horizontal velocity, and

(b) giving it horizontal velocity and a small downward velocity.

The horizontal speed, vsvs at the time of release, is the same. Both are released at a height of H from the ground. Which one will have greater speed when the ball hits the ground? Neglect air resistance.

Hint: During projectile motion, horizontal velocity remains unchanged.
Step 1: Find net velocity for part (a).
(a)
 
When the ball is given only horizontal velocity horizontal velæity at the time of release  (ux)=vs(ux)=vs
 
During projectile motion, horizontal velocity remains unchanged,
Therefore,   vx=ux=vsvx=ux=vs
In verticle direction,
v2y=u2y+2gHvy=2gHv2y=u2y+2gHvy=2gH
 
 
 Resultant speed of the ball at the bottom.
v=v2x+v2y  =v2s+2gH
 
Step 2: Find the net velocity when a small downward velocity is given.
(b) When the ball is given horizontal velocity and a small downward velocity
 
 
Let the ball be given a small downward velocity u.
In horizontal direction  vx=ux=vs
In vertical direction  v2v=u2+2gH
or  vy=u2+2gH
 Resultant speed of the ball at the bottom
v=v2x+v2y=v2s+u2+2gH                        ...(ii)
Step 3: Compare the speeds.
From Eqs. (i) and (ii). we get v' > v