Simple kinematics multiple choice question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a kinematics multiple-choice question regarding the motion of a ball influenced solely by gravity, with a specific focus on the acceleration due to gravity at -9.8 m/s². The participant selected option A, believing that gravity was the only force acting on the ball, while the correct answer was identified as option C. Key points include the clarification that air resistance is negligible at the highest point of the ball's trajectory, allowing gravity to be the sole force acting on the ball at that moment.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics principles
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (-9.8 m/s²)
  • Concept of forces acting on an object in motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of air resistance on projectile motion
  • Learn about the concept of forces in equilibrium
  • Explore advanced kinematics problems involving multiple forces
  • Review the implications of acceleration due to gravity in different contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone preparing for exams involving motion and forces.

NP04
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Homework Statement
See image.
Relevant Equations
conceptual problem
Screen Shot 2019-05-05 at 2.24.58 PM.png

I selected A, because the ball is merely in motion due to the force of gravity (after applied force).

My teacher has not concerned us with air resistance so can someone please explain why the correct answer is C? I reasoned that gravity was always accelerating the ball at -9.8 m/s^2 throughout its trajectory so condition II could not be accurate.
 
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NP04 said:
Problem Statement: See image.
Relevant Equations: conceptual problem

View attachment 242988
I selected A, because the ball is merely in motion due to the force of gravity (after applied force).

My teacher has not concerned us with air resistance so can someone please explain why the correct answer is C? I reasoned that gravity was always accelerating the ball at -9.8 m/s^2 throughout its trajectory so condition II could not be accurate.
II is false and your reasoning is correct (but to clarify, you should explain why air resistance is zero at the highest point, so gravity is the only force).
But what about III?
 
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