• Question: Why when you through a ball, does gravity not pull it down?

    Asked by amber4 to Amy, Karen, Sarah, Vijay, Will on 8 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by 2011bonbon.
    • Photo: Will Reynolds

      Will Reynolds answered on 8 Jun 2012:

      Hi Amber4. Actually when you throw a ball gravity does pull it down. At first when you throw it, you apply a force to it and give it kinetic energy which is stronger than the force of gravity. But as the ball moves it is slowed down by air resistance and at some point gravity will become stronger again and pull it towards the ground. When the ball hits the ground and stops it has lost all of its kinetic energy and gravity wins! This is why balls move in a curve shape when you throw (or kick) them. Hope this answers your questions.

    • Photo: Karen Reed

      Karen Reed answered on 8 Jun 2012:

      Hiya Amber, well it does. See will’s rather good explaination (just noticed he’s beaten me to it).

    • Photo: Sarah Martin

      Sarah Martin answered on 8 Jun 2012:

      Hi Amber! Gravity is always the same force on your ball, no matter where it is – so while you’re holding it, it’s HEAVY, when you throw it up you have to give it energy to counteract the gravity pulling it down. If you throw it forwards, it will continuously be pulled down until it hits the ground!

    • Photo: Amy Birch

      Amy Birch answered on 9 Jun 2012:

      Hi amber4, I see my fellow scientists have beaten me to the answer! Next week, I’ll be quicker!

Comments