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

In summary, the ball of mass 1.6 kilograms is projected at a velocity of 16.6 m/s in a direction 74.7 degrees from the horizontal, with an acceleration due to gravity of 9.81 m/s^2. At the uppermost point of its orbit, the ball has a zero velocity and a negative acceleration that slows it down. The force acting on the ball at this point is not zero, but can be calculated using the equation F=ma or by applying the principle of conservation of mechanical energy.
  • #1
buffgilville
91
0
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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  • #2
The force due to gravity is essentially constant close to the Earth's surface.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
Try using convervation of mechanical energy, it'll help.
 
Last edited:

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

What is the force acting on the ball when it is at the uppermost point in its orbit?

The force acting on the ball when it is at the uppermost point in its orbit is called the centripetal force. This force always acts towards the center of the orbit and keeps the ball moving in a circular path.

Does the force acting on the ball change as it moves through its orbit?

Yes, the force acting on the ball changes as it moves through its orbit. This is because the direction of the centripetal force changes with the position of the ball in its orbit. However, the magnitude of the force remains constant.

What factors affect the magnitude of the force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit?

The magnitude of the force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit is affected by the mass of the ball, the speed of the ball, and the radius of the orbit. As these factors change, the magnitude of the force will also change.

Is the force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit a balanced or unbalanced force?

The force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit is an unbalanced force. This is because it is the only force acting on the ball and it causes the ball to accelerate towards the center of the orbit.

What happens if the force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit is removed?

If the force acting on the ball at the uppermost point in its orbit is removed, the ball will move in a straight line tangent to the orbit. This is because there is no longer a force acting towards the center of the orbit to keep the ball moving in a circular path.

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