8. A 0.5-kg ball has been thrown vertically upward. If we
ignore the air resistance, what are the direction and
size of each force acting on the ball while it is traveling
upward?
To determine the direction and size of each force acting on the ball while it is traveling upward, we need to consider two main forces:
1. Gravitational force (weight):
The weight of the ball is given by the equation: weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the mass of the ball is 0.5 kg, and the acceleration due to gravity is a constant value of approximately 9.8 m/s², directed downward. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the ball is weight = 0.5 kg × 9.8 m/s² = 4.9 N, directed downward.
2. Upward force (generated by the person throwing the ball):
When the ball is thrown upward, a force is exerted on the ball by the person throwing it. This force is known as the Initial Applied Force. Since the ball is traveling upward, the direction of this force is upward. The magnitude of the applied force is dependent on how hard the person throws the ball and can vary.
So, while the ball is traveling upward, the direction and size of the forces acting on it are:
1. Gravitational force: 4.9 N, directed downward.
2. Upward force (Applied force): Variable, directed upward.