A ball is thrown directly upward and experiences no air resistance.Which one of the following statements about its motion is correct?
A) The acceleration of the ball is upward while it is traveling up and downward while it is traveling down.
B) The acceleration of the ball is downward while it is traveling up and upward while it is traveling down.
C) The acceleration is downward during the entire time the ball is in the air.
D) The acceleration of the ball is downward while it is traveling up and downward while it is traveling down but is zero at the highest point when the ball stops.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the ball is thrown upward, it experiences a force of gravity pulling it down towards the earth. This force of gravity causes the acceleration of the ball to be downward during the entire time the ball is in the air, regardless of whether it is traveling upward or downward. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they suggest that the acceleration changes direction at some point during the ball's motion, which is not true.

A Ball Is Thrown Directly Upward and Experiences No Air