<h2>
Option 2 is the correct answer.</h2>
Explanation:
Elastic collision means kinetic energy and momentum are conserved.
Let the mass of object be m and M.
Initial velocity object 1 be u₁, object 2 be u₂
Final velocity object 1 be v₁, object 2 be v₂
Initial momentum = m x u₁ + M x u₂ = 3 x 8 + M x 0 = 24 kgm/s
Final momentum = m x v₁ + M x v₂ = 3 x v₁ + M x 6 = 3v₁ + 6M
Initial kinetic energy = 0.5 m x u₁² + 0.5 M x u₂² = 0.5 x 3 x 8² + 0.5 x M x 0² = 96 J
Final kinetic energy = 0.5 m x v₁² + 0.5 M x v₂² = 0.5 x 3 x v₁² + 0.5 x M x 6² = 1.5 v₁² + 18 M
We have
Initial momentum = Final momentum
24 = 3v₁ + 6M
v₁ + 2M = 8
v₁ = 8 - 2M
Initial kinetic energy = Final kinetic energy
96 = 1.5 v₁² + 18 M
v₁² + 12 M = 64
Substituting v₁ = 8 - 2M
(8 - 2M)² + 12 M = 64
64 - 32M + 4M² + 12 M = 64
4M² = 20 M
M = 5 kg
Option 2 is the correct answer.
They will hit the ground at the same time, as mass is negligible when calculating the acceleration of gravity when there is no air resistance
