For each of the following situations, specify the system and draw a motion diagram and a free-body diagram. Label all forces with their agents, and indicate the direction of the ac... For each of the following situations, specify the system and draw a motion diagram and a free-body diagram. Label all forces with their agents, and indicate the direction of the acceleration and of the net force. 1. A skydiver falls downward through the air at constant velocity. (The air exerts an upward force on the person.) 2. You hold a softball in the palm of your hand and toss it up. Draw the diagrams while the ball is still touching your hand. 3. After the softball leaves your hand, it rises, slowing down. 4. After the softball reaches its maximum height, it falls down, speeding up. 5. CHALLENGE: You catch the ball in your hand and bring it to rest.
Understand the Problem
The question requires the drawing of motion diagrams and free-body diagrams for different scenarios involving a skydiver and a tossed softball. It asks for specifications of the system, labeling of forces, and direction of acceleration and net force.
Answer
1. Balanced forces. 2. Upward acceleration. 3. Downward acceleration. 4. Downward speed-up. 5. Ball stopped by upward force.
- Balanced forces, no acceleration. 2. Upward acceleration, force from hand > gravity. 3. Downward acceleration, only gravity acts. 4. Downward acceleration as it falls. 5. Upward net force to stop ball.
Answer for screen readers
- Balanced forces, no acceleration. 2. Upward acceleration, force from hand > gravity. 3. Downward acceleration, only gravity acts. 4. Downward acceleration as it falls. 5. Upward net force to stop ball.
More Information
The diagrams help visualize motion and forces for different scenarios, illustrating Newton’s first and second laws.
Tips
Ensure all forces are identified and correctly labeled. For motion diagrams, maintain dot spacing consistency based on the object's speed.
Sources
- Drawing Free-Body Diagrams - The Physics Classroom - physicsclassroom.com
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