Spherical insulating ball and a spherical metallic ball of same size and mass are dropped from the same height. Choose the correct statement out of the following {Assume negligible air friction}

Options

A. Both will reach the earth's surface simultaneously.
B. Insulating ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the metal ball
C. Metal ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the insulating ball
D. Time taken by them to reach the earth's surface will be independent of the properties of their materials

Answer

To solve the problem, let's analyze the situation step by step:

### Step 1: Understand the scenario
We have two balls:
- A spherical insulating ball
- A spherical metallic ball

Both balls have the same size and mass and are dropped from the same height. We are to determine which ball will reach the ground first, assuming negligible air friction.

**Hint:** Consider the properties of the materials involved (insulating vs metallic) and how they interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

### Step 2: Analyze the effect of the Earth's magnetic field
When the metallic ball is dropped, it is a conductor. As it falls through the Earth's magnetic field, it cuts through the magnetic field lines, which induces eddy currents in the metallic ball.

**Hint:** Recall Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, which states that a changing magnetic field can induce currents in conductors.

### Step 3: Understand the impact of eddy currents
The eddy currents generated in the metallic ball create a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the ball (according to Lenz's law). This opposition results in a force that slows down the metallic ball as it falls.

**Hint:** Think about how opposing forces affect the motion of an object under gravity.

### Step 4: Compare with the insulating ball
The insulating ball, on the other hand, does not conduct electricity and therefore does not experience any eddy currents. It will fall freely under the influence of gravity without any opposing forces acting on it.

**Hint:** Consider the implications of being an insulator versus a conductor in terms of motion through a magnetic field.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since the insulating ball does not experience any opposing forces due to eddy currents, it will reach the ground before the metallic ball. Therefore, the correct statement is that the insulating ball will reach the Earth's surface earlier than the metallic ball.

**Final Answer:** The insulating ball will reach the Earth's surface earlier than the metallic ball.

### Summary of the Correct Statement
- **Correct Statement:** The insulating ball will reach the Earth's surface earlier than the metallic ball.