A ball is thrown upward direction , is it a -ve displacement

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of displacement in the context of a ball thrown upward. Participants are exploring whether the displacement can be considered negative based on the chosen coordinate system and direction of gravity.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the arbitrary nature of defining positive and negative displacement based on the chosen coordinate system. Questions arise regarding the implications of these choices on the interpretation of displacement when throwing a ball upward.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the flexibility of coordinate systems and the importance of consistency in definitions. There is an exploration of different scenarios, such as throwing a ball from the ground versus from a height, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the arbitrary nature of the coordinate system and the need for consistency in applying chosen conventions. The role of gravity in defining positive and negative displacement is also under consideration.

md abul hasan
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when a ball is thrown in upward direction --how can it be a negative displacement?
 
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You have the choice to say that the axis perpendicular to the ground points upward or downward (i.e., in the direction of gravity). It is purely arbitrary and won't affect the results, provided that the convention chosen is strictly adhered to: once you've chosen which way is positive, stick to it!
 
It is an arbitrary choice. Having made a choice one simply has to be consistent.

If one were considering a situation where one is standing on the ground throwing a ball upwards so that all distances are up, it would be sensible and simplest to say up is positive.
If one were throwing objects off the top of a tower so that most of the displacements were below the starting point, one could well choose to take the starting point at the top of the tower as zero and make the downwards direction positive. Then, if one did throw a ball upwards, its displacement would be negative until it fell past the top of the tower.
 
DrClaude said:
You have the choice to say that the axis perpendicular to the ground points upward or downward (i.e., in the direction of gravity). It is purely arbitrary and won't affect the results, provided that the convention chosen is strictly adhered to: once you've chosen which way is positive, stick to it!
is toward gravity +ve ?
 
md abul hasan said:
is toward gravity +ve ?
Yes, if the throwing the ball upwards results in a negative displacement, then the force of gravity is positive.
 
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