What is the force acting on a ball at the top of its orbit?

AI Thread Summary
At the top of its orbit, the ball experiences a gravitational force acting downward, equal to its weight (mass times gravity). The force is not zero; while the velocity is zero at the peak, the ball is still subject to gravitational acceleration of 9.81 m/s². The discussion emphasizes that the force can be calculated using F=ma, where acceleration is not zero but negative as the ball decelerates. Conservation of mechanical energy is suggested as a useful approach to analyze the situation. Understanding these principles clarifies that gravitational force remains constant regardless of the ball's position in its trajectory.
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A ball of mass 1.6 kilograms is projected with a velocity 16.6 m/s in a direction 74.7 degrees from the horizontal. The acceleration due to gravity is g = 9.81 m/s2. What is the force acting on the ball when it is at the uppermost point in its orbit?

Is the force acting on the ball zero because it is at the edge with no acceleration.
F=ma so (1.6kg * 0m/s^2)
 
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The force due to gravity is essentially constant close to the Earth's surface.
 
It's not zero acceleration when it's at the peak, it's zero velocity. It has a negative acceleration that slows it down to it's peak.
 
Try using convervation of mechanical energy, it'll help.
 
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