Photo AI
A ball is thrown vertically upwards and falls back to its starting position - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2022
Question 1
A ball is thrown vertically upwards and falls back to its starting position. The acceleration-time graph represents the motion of the ball. Which of the following v... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A ball is thrown vertically upwards and falls back to its starting position - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2022
Step 1
Identify the Motion Described
Answer
The motion involves the ball going upwards against gravity, coming to a stop at its highest point, and then falling back down to its original position. The acceleration is constant and negative during the upward motion and constant and positive during the downward motion.
Step 2
Analyze the Acceleration-Time Graph
Answer
The acceleration-time graph shows a constant positive value while the ball is being thrown up and a constant negative value when it descends back down. This indicates that the ball experiences upward acceleration initially and then downward acceleration after reaching its peak height.
Step 3
Evaluate Each Velocity-Time Graph Option
Answer
We need to analyze each graph option (A, B, C, D, and E). The correct velocity-time graph should start at zero velocity, increase linearly to a maximum value (representing the upward motion), then decrease back to zero (the highest point of the trajectory), and finally, continue to decrease into the negative values as the ball falls back down. Based on the characteristics of the graph from the acceleration changes, option A correctly represents this motion.
Step 4