Question

Two identical marbles A and B are rolled down along Path 1 and Path 2 respectively.

Path 1 is frictionless and Path 2 is rough.

1. Which marble will surely reach the next peak?
2. Along which path/s the mechanical energy will be conserved?
3. Along which path/s is the law of conservation of energy obeyed?

Answer 1

1. Path 2 is rough, and Path 1 is frictionless. Because there will be no energy lost on the frictionless road, marble A will undoubtedly reach the top.\

2. Total mechanical energy = kinetic energy (k) + potential energy (u)

   When there is no frictional force, it remains constant; hence, mechanical energy will be preserved along path 1.

3. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, the law of conservation of energy applies to both scenarios.