Question

A rock is thrown (not dropped) straight down from a bridge into the river below. At each of the following instants, is the magnitude of the rock's acceleration greater than, less than, or equal to the magnitude of acceleration when it was released? • Instant 1: Just after release. • Instant 2: Halfway to the river. • Instant 3: Right before hitting the water.

Answer 1

The magnitude of the rock's acceleration is equal at all three instants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnitude of the rock's acceleration changes as it moves between the different instants.

1. Just after release, the rock's acceleration is equal to the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2.
2. Halfway to the river, the rock's acceleration is still 9.8 m/s^2.
3. Right before hitting the water, the rock's acceleration is still 9.8 m/s^2.

Therefore, the magnitude of the rock's acceleration is equal at all three instants.

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