Four identical balls are thrown from the top of a cliff, each with the same speed. The first is thrown straight up, the second is thrown at 30° above the horizontal, the third
at 30° below the horizontal, and the fourth straight down. How do the speeds and
kinetic energies of the balls compare as they strike the ground? Ignore the effects of
air resistance. Explain fully using the concepts from this unit.

The comparison of the speeds and kinetic energy of the identical balls are as follows

The speed and the kinetic energy of the first and fourth ball are equal, while the speed and kinetic energy of the second and third balls are equal

The reason for the above comparison results areas follows;

Known parameters;

First ball is thrown straight up

Second ball is thrown 30° above the horizontal

Third ball it thrown 30° below the horizontal

The fourth ball is thrown straight down

Unknown:

Comparison of the speed and kinetic energy of the four balls

Method:

The kinetic energy, K.E. = (1/2) × m × v²

The velocity of the ball, v = u × sin(θ)

Where;

u = The initial velocity of the ball

θ = The reference angle

θ = 90°

∴ = u

The final velocity of the ball as it strikes the ground is v₂ = u² + 2gh

Where;

h = The height of the cliff

∴ Kinetic energy of first ball, K.E.₁ = (1/2) × m × (u₁² + 2gh)²

K.E. = (1/2) × m × ((u×sin30)² + 2·g·h)² = K.E. = (1/2) × m × ((0.5·u)² + 2·g·h)²

Kinetic energy  K.E.₂ = (1/2) × m × ((0.5·u₂)² + 2·g·h)²

K.E. = (1/2) × m × ((u×sin30)² + 2·g·h)² = K.E. = (1/2) × m × ((0.5·u)² + 2·g·h)²

Kinetic energy K.E.₃ = (1/2) × m × ((0.5·u₃)² + 2·g·h)²

Kinetic energy K.E.₄ = (1/2) × m × (u₄² + 2gh)²

Therefore, as the ball strike the ground, the speed and the kinetic energy of the first and fourth ball are equal, while the speed and kinetic energy of the second and third balls are equal

u₁ = u₄, K.E₁ = K.E.₄, u₂ = u₃, K.E₂ = K.E.₃

Learn more about object kinetic energy of objects in free fall here;