Physics quiz question: soccer ball vertical velocity component

Physics 205A Quiz 3, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

A Physics 205A student kicks a soccer ball off a cliff with an initial velocity vector that has x- and y-components:

v_0x = +6.1 m/s,
v_0y = –3.2 m/s.

Neglect air resistance. Just before it hits the ground, the magnitude of the soccer ball's vertical velocity is:
(A) 0 m/s.
(B) some value between 0 m/s and 3.2 m/s.
(C) 3.2 m/s.
(D) some value greater than 3.2 m/s.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (D)

While the horizontal component of the soccer ball's velocity never changes, the vertical component of the soccer ball's velocity will always keep changing, due to the acceleration due to gravity. The soccer ball already starts with an initial downwards speed, and the vertical downwards speed will increase as it keeps moving along its trajectory.

Sections 70854, 70855
Exam code: quiz03Ch3V
(A) : 6 students
(B) : 5 students
(C) : 19 students
(D) : 24 students

Success level: 44%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.86