The figure represents the parabolic trajectory of a ball going from A to E in Earth gravity but without air resistance. What is the direction of the acceleration at point B?
A) It is up and to the right.
B) It is down and to the left.
C) It is straight up.
D) It is straight down.
E) The acceleration of the ball is zero.

Question

The figure represents the parabolic trajectory of a ball going from A to E in Earth gravity but without air resistance.  What is the direction of the acceleration at point B?
A) It is up and to the right. 
B) It is down and to the left. 
C) It is straight up. 
D) It is straight down. 
E) The acceleration of the ball is zero.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At point B, the ball has reached the highest point of its trajectory and is starting to fall back towards the ground. Therefore, the acceleration of the ball must be straight down towards the ground, which is represented by answer choice D.

The Figure Represents the Parabolic Trajectory of a Ball Going