If a ball is thrown upwards, it slows down, stops momentarily, and then falls back to the ground. Name the forces acting on the ball and specify their directions.
During its upward motion
Gravitational force acts on the ball in the downward direction (towards the Earth).
During its downward motion
Gravitational force acts on the ball in the downward direction (towards the Earth).
At its topmost position
Gravitational force acts on the ball in the downward direction (towards the Earth).
Explanation
(i) The chapter states that gravitational force is 'always an attractive force' pulling objects toward the Earth. (ii) The gravitational force direction remains constant, always pulling objects toward the Earth's center. (iii) Even when the ball momentarily stops at the top, gravitational force continues to act downward, causing the ball to change direction and fall back.