Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding drag acting on a ball thrown vertically upwards?

• A. The direction of the drag will always be downwards.
• B. The direction of the drag will always be upwards.
• C. The direction of drag will change at the highest point of the journey.
• D. The magnitude of the drag will be constant throughout the journey.

Answer 1

The correct option is C The direction of drag will change at the highest point of the journey.

Drag depends on speed and shape of the object moving through the fluid. As the speed of the ball keeps changing, the magnitude of drag also keeps changing. While the ball is moving up, drag acts in vertically downward direction and while the ball is moving down, drag acts in vertically upward direction. Hence, at the highest point, drag changes its direction.