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Question

An object is thrown vertically upwards with velocity u. Under the influence of gravity, the acceleration:

The correct answer is
acts opposite to the direction of motion

Acceleration of Object Thrown Upwards Under Gravity

When an object is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity $u$, it moves against the force of gravity.

Understanding Acceleration Due to Gravity:

  • Gravity ($g$) is a constant force that pulls objects towards the center of the Earth.
  • This force acts downwards, regardless of the object's direction of motion.

Analysis of Options:

  • Option 1: becomes zero at the highest point
    This is incorrect. While the object's velocity becomes momentarily zero at the highest point, gravity ($g$) still acts downwards, causing the object to start falling.
  • Option 2: acts in the direction of motion
    This is incorrect for the upward journey. The direction of motion is upwards, but gravity acts downwards. This statement would be true during the downward fall.
  • Option 3: acts opposite to the direction of motion
    This is correct. As the object moves upwards (direction of motion is up), the acceleration due to gravity acts downwards, opposing the motion and causing the object to slow down.
  • Option 4: increases the upward velocity
    This is incorrect. Since the acceleration acts opposite to the upward velocity, it decreases the upward velocity, eventually bringing it to zero at the peak.

Therefore, the acceleration due to gravity always acts downwards, opposing the upward motion of the object.

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Important Questions from Gravitation

  1. Which one of the following statement is true for the relation, \(F= \frac{{G{m_1}{m_2}}}{{{r^2}}}\) ?

    (All symbols have their usual meanings)
  2. The free-fall acceleration g increases as one proceeds, at sea level, from the equator toward either pole. The reason is

  3. A planet has a mass M 1and radius R 1. The value of acceleration due to gravity on its surface is g 1. There is another planet 2, whose mass and radius both are two times that of the first planet. Which one of the following is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of planet 2?

  4. Two bodies of mass M each are placed R distance apart. In another system, two bodies of mass 2M each are placed R/2 distance apart. If F be the gravitational force between the bodies in the first system, then the gravitational force between the bodies in the second system will be

  5. Suppose the force of gravitation between two bodies of equal masses is F. If each mass is doubled keeping the distance of separation between them unchanged, the force would become

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