A ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of 10 m/s. Ignoring air resistance, what is the maximum height it will reach? (Assume g = 9.8 m/s2)
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 5.10 m.
When a ball is thrown vertically upwards, its upward velocity continuously decreases due to gravity until it becomes completely zero at the peak position (v = 0 m/s). Given an initial velocity u = 10 m/s and acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m/s2, we apply the standard equation of motion,
v2 = u2 - 2gh
Substituting the values gives 0 = 100 - 19.6h. Solving this equation for height (h), we get h = 100 / 19.6, which equals approximately 5.10 m.
Hence, the maximum vertical height achieved by the ball is 5.10 m.