When a ball is thrown into the air, it is primarily influenced by the force of gravity. Here is a detailed explanation of the vertical acceleration during the ball's flight:
1. Initial Throw:
When the ball is thrown, it may have both horizontal and vertical components of velocity due to the angle of projection. However, regardless of these components, gravity starts acting on it immediately.
2. Force of Gravity:
Gravity is a constant force that always acts downward towards the center of the Earth. The magnitude of the acceleration due to gravity is approximately [tex]\( 9.8 \ \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex].
3. Vertical Motion:
- On the way up: The vertical component of the ball’s velocity decreases because gravity is acting against the motion. However, this does not affect the magnitude of vertical acceleration.
- At the peak: The vertical component of the velocity momentarily becomes zero, but the acceleration due to gravity is still [tex]\( 9.8 \ \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex] downward.
- On the way down: The ball starts accelerating downward. Again, the acceleration due to gravity remains [tex]\( 9.8 \ \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex].
4. Throughout the Flight:
The entire time the ball is in the air, from the moment it is thrown to the moment it lands, the vertical acceleration remains constant at [tex]\( 9.8 \ \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex] downward.
Thus, the correct choice is:
O Acceleration stays the same
