A ball is thrown into the air with certain velocity v making an angle with horizontal. If air resistance is neglected, then at maximum height its velocity is:
Correct answer: D. Minimum but not zero
- A. Equal to initial velocity
- B. Half of initial velocity
- C. Equal to zero
- D. Minimum but not zero
Explanation
At the top the vertical component has fallen to zero, but the horizontal component is unchanged throughout the flight because no horizontal force acts, so the ball still moves horizontally at v cos theta. The speed is therefore at its minimum for the flight yet not zero, which is the distinction being tested. Only a ball thrown straight up would momentarily stop.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2025 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Projectile Motion
Projectile motion combines uniform horizontal motion with vertically accelerated motion under gravity, assuming air resistance is neglected. Questions use the components of initial velocity to find time of flight, maximum height, horizontal range and position, while distinguishing projectile motion from general circular or one dimensional motion.
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