An object is thrown vertically upwards with velocity . Under the influence of gravity, the acceleration:
- AOption (a)
acts in the direction of motion
- BOption (b)
becomes zero at the highest point
- COption (c)
acts opposite to the direction of motion
- DOption (d)
increases the upward velocity
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Correct answer
acts opposite to the direction of motion
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is acts opposite to the direction of motion.
Key Points
- When an object is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity u, it moves against the force of gravity. The acceleration due to gravity (g) always acts downward, i.e., opposite to the direction of motion during the upward journey. Hence, the correct statement is that acceleration acts opposite to the direction of motion.
- As the object rises, the velocity decreases uniformly because the acceleration due to gravity retards the upward motion. At the highest point, the velocity of the object becomes zero momentarily, but the acceleration due to gravity still acts downward. Hence, the statement "becomes zero at the highest point" is incorrect for acceleration.
- During the entire motion, the acceleration due to gravity remains constant in magnitude and direction (downward). It does not act in the direction of motion during the upward journey. This makes the statement "acts in the direction of motion" incorrect.
- Gravity does not increase the upward velocity; rather, it continuously decreases it. Hence, the statement "increases the upward velocity" is incorrect.
- The value of acceleration due to gravity near the Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s², directed toward the center of the Earth, and is independent of the object's motion.
Additional Information
- Gravity as a Constant Force:
- Acceleration due to gravity (g) is a constant value near the surface of the Earth and acts toward the center of the Earth.
- Its value is approximately 9.8 m/s², though it varies slightly depending on altitude and latitude.
- Motion Under Gravity:
- An object thrown upward slows down due to the opposing force of gravity, eventually coming to rest momentarily at the highest point.
- On its way back down, gravity accelerates the object, increasing its velocity until it returns to the original point of projection.
- Equations of Motion Under Gravity:
- Standard equations of motion such as v = u + at, s = ut + (1/2)at², and v² = u² + 2as are used to describe motion under gravity.
- For upward motion, acceleration (a) is taken as -g since it opposes the motion.
- For downward motion, acceleration is taken as +g.
- Practical Applications:
- The concept of motion under gravity is essential in fields like projectile motion, space exploration, and sports physics.
- It is also used to calculate the time of flight, maximum height, and range of objects thrown or projected.
Important Points
- Key Characteristics of Gravity:
- It is a natural force that pulls objects toward the center of a massive body, like the Earth.
- The force of gravity is directly proportional to the masses involved and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, as per Newton's law of universal gravitation.
- It affects all objects equally, irrespective of their mass, in the absence of air resistance.
- Real-Life Examples:
- Throwing a ball upward and observing its deceleration and eventual fall is a direct demonstration of gravity's effect.
- Space agencies like NASA account for gravity to calculate trajectories for satellites and spacecraft.
- Sports such as basketball, cricket, and javelin rely on understanding motion under gravity to enhance performance.
