A student is the pitcher on a baseball team. They pitch the ball toward home plate. It begins in a straight line and then curves toward the ground. What forces are acting on the ball? a friction and gravity b friction and electricity c magnetism and inertia d inertia and nuclear
The forces acting on the ball are friction and gravity.
Friction is the force that opposes the motion of the ball through the air. It slows down the ball's forward motion and also contributes to the curve of the ball by creating a drag force on one side.
Gravity is the force that pulls the ball downward toward the ground. It is responsible for the overall downward trajectory of the ball as it curves.
Electricity, magnetism, and nuclear forces are not relevant in this context and do not affect the ball's flight path.