Question

Examine the graph below representing the height of a ball thrown into the air versus time. Which of the following statements is likely true?

a) The ball was thrown horizontally.
b) The initial velocity of the ball was zero.
c) The ball was thrown upwards and then fell back to the ground.
d) The graph represents the distance traveled by the ball, not its height.

Answer 1

The ball's horizontal velocity remains constant post-launch, represented by a flat line on the graph, while the vertical acceleration is also constant at -9.81 m/s², depicted as a horizontal line on its graph.

This correct answer is none of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

The graph of the ball's horizontal velocity would be a horizontal line because the horizontal velocity (ξx) remains constant in the absence of air resistance.

Therefore, horizontal velocity is unchanged and the graph should be a flat line at the value of the initial horizontal velocity, from the time the ball is launched until just before it hits the ground.

As for the ball's vertical acceleration, it would be constant, and its value would be equal to the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately -9.81 m/s² (negative indicates the downward direction).

Hence, the graph of the vertical acceleration versus time would be a horizontal line at -9.81 m/s² from the time of launch until just before impact.

This correct answer is none of the above.