MHT CET202613 April 2026Evening ShiftPhysicsMotion in One DimensionActual
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
- ATime taken by them to reach the earth's surface will be independent of the properties of their materials.
- BInsulating ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the metal ball.
- CBoth will reach the earth's surface simultaneously.
- DMetal ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the insulating ball.
Correct answer
B. Insulating ball will reach the earth's surface earlier than the metal ball.
Step-by-step solution
As the metallic ball falls through the Earth's magnetic field, it cuts the magnetic field lines, which induces an electromotive force (EMF) in it. Since the ball is a conductor, this induced EMF generates eddy currents within the metallic ball. According to Lenz's law, these eddy currents oppose the motion that causes them, creating an upward magnetic retarding force. As a result, the net downward acceleration of the metallic ball becomes less than the acceleration due to gravity g . The insulating ball is a non-co