10. A bird flying eastward through the sky suddenly drops a peanut it was carrying. Which of the following best represents the peanut's path as it falls as seen by an observer on the ground? (Neglect air resistance.)
Answer: B
The peanut will follow a downward parabolic path as it falls.
As the bird flies eastward and drops the peanut, the peanut will initially have a horizontal velocity in the eastward direction while simultaneously falling due to gravity. This results in a parabolic trajectory when viewed from the ground.
A) s-26a.png
This option likely depicts a straight downward path or a different trajectory that does not account for the initial eastward velocity of the peanut. Since the peanut retains its horizontal motion from the bird, this representation is incorrect.
B) s-26b.png
This option correctly illustrates a parabolic path, indicating that as the peanut falls, it moves forward while descending. This trajectory reflects the combination of the horizontal motion from the bird and the vertical motion due to gravity, making it the accurate representation of the peanut's path.
C) s-26c.png
This option may suggest an upward or different trajectory that does not align with the expected motion of the peanut after being dropped. Since the peanut cannot ascend after being released, this representation fails to accurately depict its path.
D) s-26d.png
This option presumably indicates a horizontal path or some form of motion that does not account for the gravitational pull acting on the peanut. Since gravity will cause the peanut to fall, this depiction is inaccurate for the described scenario.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively correct as it accurately reflects the parabolic trajectory of the peanut falling from the bird, taking into consideration both its initial horizontal motion and the effect of gravity. The other options fail to represent the correct dynamics of the peanut's motion, either by suggesting incorrect paths or neglecting the influence of gravity.