The force of air resistance acts to oppose the motion of an object moving throug

Question

The force of air resistance acts to oppose the motion of an object moving through the air. A ball is thrown upward and eventually returns to the ground.

(a) As the ball moves upward, is the net force that acts on the ball greater than, less than, or equal to its weight?
(1) net force will be greater than the weight of the ball
(2) net force will be lesser than the weight of the ball
(3)net force will be equal to the weight of the ball

Justify your answer.
(b) Repeat part (a) for the downward motion of the ball.
(1) net force will be greater than the weight of the ball
(2) net force will be lesser than the weight of the ball
(3) net force will be equal to the weight of the ball

Explanation / Answer

For part A, the net force will be greater than its weight since both air resistance and the weight have acting forces in the downward direction to slow the ball's ascent. For part B, the net force will be less than the weight. The weight will still act downward, but now air resistance acts upward to try to slow the ball's fall.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.