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Question
If a ball is thrown upwards, it slows down, stops momentarily, and then falls back to the ground. Name the forces acting on the ball and specify their directions: (i) during its upward motion, (ii) during its downward motion, (iii) at its topmost position.
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Answer
In all three cases, the gravitational force acts on the ball, directed downwards.
Explanation
- (i) Upward motion: gravity acts downwards, opposing the motion, so the ball slows down.
- (ii) Downward motion: gravity acts downwards, along the motion, so the ball speeds up.
- (iii) Topmost position: gravity still acts downwards; the ball is momentarily at rest but is being pulled down.
Gravity acts downward on the ball throughout its up-and-down motion.
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