Answer
The correct answer is: (c) They hit the ground with the same speed.
Work Step by Step
Initially, the two balls have the same speed and they are at the same height. Therefore, the potential energy is equal and the kinetic energy is equal, so the two balls have the same mechanical energy.
By conservation of energy, the two balls have the same mechanical energy when they reach the ground. Since the potential energy is equal at the ground, the kinetic energy of each ball must also be equal. Therefore, the two balls reach the ground with the same speed.
The correct answer is: (c) They hit the ground with the same speed.
