A windowless spacecraft in deep space accelerates “upward” (toward its ceiling) at
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Kinematics · Kinematics
Problem
A windowless spacecraft in deep space accelerates “upward” (toward its ceiling) at 10m/s2. An astronaut standing on the floor tosses a small ball straight upward with speed 4m/s relative to the spacecraft. Exactly 0.20s after the ball leaves the astronaut’s hand, the engines shut off and the spacecraft thereafter moves at constant velocity. Which of the following best describes the ball’s motion as observed by the astronaut after the engines shut off? (Ignore air resistance.)
(a) The ball reverses direction immediately and accelerates toward the floor at 10m/s2.
(b) The ball remains motionless at the position it occupied when the engines shut off.
(c) The ball continues to rise at a constant speed relative to the spacecraft.
(d) The ball continues to rise but slows down, coming to rest relative to the spacecraft after 0.40s.