Single correct option
A ball is thrown vertically upward. At the highest point of its path, which one of the following is correct?
- A. Velocity is zero and acceleration is zero
- B. Velocity is g upward and acceleration is zero
- C. Velocity and acceleration are both directed upward
- D. Velocity is zero and acceleration is g downward
Show answer and solution
Answer: (D) Velocity is zero and acceleration is g downward
At the top the ball momentarily stops, so its velocity is zero, but gravity still acts on it, so the acceleration remains g (about 9.8 m/s²) downward throughout the flight. The common trap is to think zero velocity implies zero acceleration; if acceleration were zero the ball would stay at rest there and never fall back.
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