A block sides down a smooth inclined plane when released from the top, while another falls freely from the same point. Which one of them will strike the ground : (a) earlier (b) with greater speed ?

Explanation

If the inclination of inclined plane is `theta`, the acceleration of the brick sliding down wil be g `sin theta ` . On the other hand, the acceleration of the brick falling freely will be g. since `g gt g sin theta`, the brick which is falling freely will reach the ground earlier .