Four balls with different masses are dropped from the heights shown. Air resistance may be ignored. Which ball has the greatest average speed?

The one falling from the greatest height will have the greatest speed.

h = 1/2 g t^2        time for ball to fall distance h

h2 / h1 = t2^2 / t1^2       dividing equations

h2 / t2^2 = h1 / t1^2

Let v be the average speed (v2 = h2 / t2)

1 / t2 * v2 = 1 / t1 * v1

v2 / v1 = t2 / t1      the one taking the longest to fall has the greater av. speed

Check:

h4 / h1 = t4^2 / t1^2     or

t4 / t1 = (h4 / h1)^1/2

In this case t4 / t1 = (4 / 1)^1/2 = 2  or twice the average speed

t1 = (2 h / g)^1/2 = .2^1/2 = .447       using g = 10

t4 = (2 h / g)^1/2 = .8^1/2 = .894

v1 = 1 / .447 = 2.24 m/s average speed

v4 = 4 / .894 = 4.47    or twice the average speed

v=ir = 3x15 =45 v