Question

Cecelia dropped a ball from a height of 2 m. The ball fell in a straight path down to the ground

According to Newton’s universal law of gravitation, which would change the path of the ball so it traces out the widest curved path possible?

A)tossing it horizontally at a slower speed
B)tossing it horizontally at a faster speed
C)dropping it from a shorter distance
D)dropping it from a greater distance

Answer 1

To create the widest curved path for a ball falling due to gravity, Cecelia should toss it horizontally at a faster speed, allowing gravity to act on the ball over a longer time and distance, creating a wider arc.

The widest curved path that a ball can trace out when dropped or thrown is influenced by its initial velocity and the force of gravity. According to Newton's law of universal gravitation, the ball will follow a parabolic trajectory due to the constant acceleration of gravity. If Cecelia desires to create the widest curved path, she should toss the ball horizontally at a faster speed (Option B). This is because a greater horizontal velocity will give the ball more time in the air before it hits the ground, allowing gravity to act on it for a longer period and thus creating a wider arc.

It is important to note that factors like air resistance are ignored in this scenario but would also affect the actual path of the ball. Nevertheless, for this question, the answer focuses solely on the influence of gravity and initial velocity in a vacuum.

Answer 2

Choice B) is would result in the widest curved path
B)tossing it horizontally at a faster speed

If choice A were to occur this would just result in a lesser range ad thus not be as wide.
Choices c and d would only affect the vertical motion and make the path less arched,
because the vertical and horizontal movements in kinematics are indpendant but shared the same time.