Chapter 4, Problem 1CQ

What is the acceleration of a projectile when it reaches its highest point? What is its acceleration just before and just after reaching this point?

To determine

The acceleration of projectile before, after and when it reaches at its highest point.

Answer to Problem 1CQ

The acceleration of projectile before, after and when it reaches at its highest point is $9.8\text{m}/{\text{s}}^{\text{2}}$ acting downward.

Explanation of Solution

The acceleration of a projectile remains constant throughout its journey. The acceleration is gravitational acceleration of earth which is $9.8\text{m}/{\text{s}}^{\text{2}}$ acting downward.

As the projectile is launched gravitational acceleration of magnitude $9.8\text{m}/{\text{s}}^{\text{2}}$ works on it pulling the projectile downward. The acceleration does not change with time in magnitude and direction as it is constant in nature.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the acceleration of projectile before, after and when it reaches at its highest point is $9.8\text{m}/{\text{s}}^{\text{2}}$ acting downward.