You throw a ball up in the air and hold your hand under it to catch it when it comes down. The reason why the ball stops is because
A) your hand is there: your hand exerts no force on the ball.
B) your hand exerts a force on the ball perpendicular to its velocity.
C) your hand exerts a force on the ball in the direction of its velocity.
D) your hand exerts a force on the ball in the direction opposite to its velocity.
E) your hand and the ball exert forces in the same direction on each other.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the ball reaches its highest point, it no longer has any upward velocity. Gravity then begins to pull it back down towards the ground. As the ball falls, it gains velocity in the downward direction. When your hand makes contact with the ball, your hand exerts a force on the ball in the direction opposite to its velocity. This force slows down the ball until it comes to a stop in your hand.

You Throw a Ball Up in the Air and Hold