What happens when a ball is thrown vertically in the air?

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SUMMARY

When a ball is thrown vertically upward, both speed and velocity are zero at the maximum height. This is because, at that point, the ball momentarily stops before changing direction. Acceleration, however, is not zero; it remains constant at approximately -9.81 m/s² due to gravity. Understanding the distinction between speed (magnitude) and velocity (direction) is crucial in this context.

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Homework Statement


A ball is thrown vertically in the air, upward from the surface of the Earth. Which of the following quantities are zero when the ball reaches maximum height?
a)speed b)velocity c)acceleration


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i answered just b, but i got it marked wrong so i am unsure. any thoughts?
 
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What's the reasoning behind your answer?
 
because when the ball reached maximum height, the ball stops and then changes direction, so then it would have v=0 and the top. but would the speed be 0 as well?
 
You tell me. What's the relationship between speed and velocity?
 
velocity has to have direction while speed does not.
 
stephi said:
velocity has to have direction while speed does not.
Good. Speed is just the magnitude of the velocity. So how would you revise your first answer?
 
both speed and velocity will be zero?! :)
 
stephi said:
both speed and velocity will be zero?! :)
Of course. :smile:
 
thank you so much!
is there any chance you could also help me with a math problem that is giving me lots of trouble?
 
  • #10
stephi said:
is there any chance you could also help me with a math problem that is giving me lots of trouble?
Did you post it?
 
  • #11
yes but no replies yet,.
 

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