Questions: A ball is tossed straight up in the air. At its very highest point, the ball's instantaneous acceleration (ay) is
zero.
upward.
downward
Transcript text: A ball is tossed straight up in the air. At its very highest point, the ball's instantaneous acceleration $a_{y}$ is
zero.
upward.
downward
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understand the Motion of the Ball
When a ball is tossed straight up, it moves against the force of gravity.
Gravity is a constant force acting downward on the ball throughout its motion.
Step 2: Analyze the Ball's Motion at the Highest Point
At the highest point, the ball's velocity is zero because it changes direction from upward to downward.
However, the acceleration due to gravity (\( g \)) is still acting on the ball.
Step 3: Determine the Direction of Acceleration
The acceleration of the ball at any point in its trajectory, including the highest point, is downward.
This is because gravity is the only force acting on the ball, and it always acts downward.