Question

net force and acceleration quick check
if a ball is accelerating down through the air with no horizontal motion, what must be true about
the net forces acting on the ball? (1 point)

the net force on the ball is zero.

the net force on the ball is directed upward.

the gravitational force is greater than the drag.

the drag is greater than the gravitational force.

Explanation:

To solve this, we use Newton's second law (\(F_{net} = ma\)) and analyze the forces on the ball (gravity downward, drag upward). Since the ball accelerates downward, the net force must be downward. For the net force to be downward, the gravitational force (downward) must be greater than the drag force (upward).

• If net force were zero, acceleration would be zero (not accelerating), so first option is wrong.
• If net force were upward, acceleration would be upward (but ball accelerates downward), so second option is wrong.
• If drag were greater than gravity, net force would be upward (acceleration upward), so fourth option is wrong.

Answer:

C. The gravitational force is greater than the drag.