Question

A rock is thrown from the top of a tall building. Neglecting air resistance, which of the following statements about its acceleration is true during the entire flight?

a) Its acceleration decreases as it falls.
b) Its acceleration increases as it falls.
c) Its acceleration remains constant.
d) Its acceleration is zero.

Answer 1

The rock has a constant acceleration of 9.80 m/s² throughout its flight due to gravity, making the correct answer (c) Its acceleration remains constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a rock is thrown from the top of a tall building and air resistance is neglected, the acceleration of the rock during its entire flight is constant. This is due to the acceleration due to gravity, which on Earth is approximately 9.80 m/s². Even when the rock reaches the highest point of its trajectory, where its velocity is zero, the acceleration remains the same. This consistent acceleration applies both on the way up and on the way down of the rock's flight. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (c) Its acceleration remains constant.