Question:

A ball of mass \(300\;g\) is dropped from a height \(10\;m\) above a sandy ground. On reaching the ground, it penetrates through a distance \(1.5\;m\) in sand and finally stops. The average resistance offered by the sand to oppose the motion is
Take \(g=10\;\text{m s}^{-2}\).

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When an object penetrates a surface and stops, use the work-energy theorem. Include both the work done by gravity and the resisting force during penetration.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(35\;N\)
  • \(23\;N\)
  • \(34\;N\)
  • \(28\;N\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Convert mass into SI unit.
Given mass of ball is \[ m=300\;g \] \[ m=0.3\;kg \] Height from which ball is dropped: \[ h=10\;m \] Distance penetrated in sand: \[ s=1.5\;m \] Acceleration due to gravity: \[ g=10\;\text{m s}^{-2} \]

Step 2: Find kinetic energy when ball reaches the ground.
The potential energy lost before reaching the ground becomes kinetic energy.
\[ K.E.=mgh \] \[ K.E.=0.3\times 10\times 10 \] \[ K.E.=30\;J \]

Step 3: Apply work-energy principle during penetration in sand.
Let the average resistance offered by sand be \(R\).
During penetration, gravity does positive work and sand resistance does negative work.
Work done by gravity: \[ mg s=0.3\times 10\times 1.5 \] \[ =4.5\;J \] Work done by resistance: \[ -Rs=-1.5R \] Since the ball finally stops, final kinetic energy is zero.
Therefore, \[ 30+4.5-1.5R=0 \]

Step 4: Solve for \(R\).
\[ 34.5=1.5R \] \[ R=\frac{34.5}{1.5} \] \[ R=23\;N \]

Step 5: Final conclusion.
Hence, the average resistance offered by the sand is \[ \boxed{23\;N} \]
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