Question

A golf ball is hit with an initial velocity of 15 m/s. What is the most likely outcome of the ball's trajectory?

A) It will rise vertically and then fall straight down.
B) It will follow a parabolic path and eventually hit the ground.
C) It will move in a perfectly straight line until it loses all its velocity.
D) It will continue to rise indefinitely due to the initial velocity.

Answer 1

When a golf ball is hit with an initial velocity of 15 m/s, the most likely outcome is that it will follow a parabolic path and eventually hit the ground. This is because the ball's motion is influenced by gravity and the lack of external forces. The ball's trajectory can be calculated using equations of motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely outcome of a golf ball's trajectory when hit with an initial velocity of 15 m/s is that it will follow a parabolic path and eventually hit the ground (Option B).

When a golf ball is hit, it follows a curved path known as projectile motion. This motion can be broken down into horizontal and vertical components.

The vertical component is influenced by gravity, causing the ball to accelerate downward. The horizontal component remains constant since no external forces act on it. As a result, the ball traces out a parabolic path.

Eventually, the ball will hit the ground due to the combined effect of its horizontal and vertical motions. The time it takes for the ball to hit the ground can be calculated using equations of motion. The maximum height reached by the ball can also be determined using these equations.