Question

What is the net force acting on a 1-kg ball in free fall?

Answer 1

Answer: 9.81N

Step-by-step explanation:

According to newton's second law, Force = mass×acceleration i.e F = ma

Since the it is a free fall, the body is under the influence of gravity. The acceleration of the body will become acceleration due to gravity i.e +g

Force acting on the body will become F = mg

Given m = 1kg and g = 9.81m/s²

F = 1×9.81

F = 9.81N

The net force acting on the body is 9.81N

Note that g is positive because the body is coming downwards

Answer 2

9.81 N Downward

Step-by-step explanation:

The Net force acting on a body that falls freely is the weight of that body.

F = W.

Where F = net force

Weight: This can be defined as the force acting on an object due to gravity.

It can be expressed as

W = mg................. Equation 1

Where W = weight of the ball, m = mass of the ball, g = acceleration due to gravity.

Given: m = 1 kg,

Constant: g = 9.81 m/s²

Substitute into equation

W = 1(9.81)

W = 9.81 N.

Hence the net force acting on the ball = 9.81 N Downward