Single correct option
A ball thrown vertically upwards is at its highest point. At that instant its
- A. velocity is zero and acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2 downwards
- B. velocity and acceleration are both zero
- C. velocity is zero and acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2 upwards
- D. velocity is 9.8 m/s downwards and acceleration is zero
Show answer and solution
Answer: (A) velocity is zero and acceleration is 9.8 m/s^2 downwards
At the top the ball momentarily stops, so velocity is zero, but gravity keeps acting. The acceleration is g = 9.8 m/s^2 directed downwards throughout the flight. The common trap is to think that zero velocity means zero acceleration; if acceleration were zero the ball would stay at rest there forever.
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