Question

A juggler throws a bowling pin straight up in the air. After the pin leaves his hand and while it is in the air, which statement is true?

(a) The velocity of the pin is always in the same direction as its acceleration.

(b) The velocity of the pin is never in the same direction as its acceleration.

(c) The acceleration of the pin is zero.

(d) The velocity of the pin is opposite its acceleration on the way up.

(e) The velocity of the pin is in the same direction as its acceleration on the way up.

Short answer

Hence, the answer is option (d) the velocity of the pin is opposite its acceleration on the way up.

Step-by-step solution

Application of kinetic equation

When an object's velocity is constant, its acceleration is zero, and kinematic equations apply to an item traveling with constant acceleration.

When an object's velocity increases or decreases at a steady rate, then the kinematic equations can be applied

Acceleration of the blowing pin

While in flight, the bowling pin maintains a steady downward acceleration. On the climbing part of its flight, the pin's velocity is directed upward, and on the descending part of its flight, it is directed downward.

So, the velocity of the pin is opposite its acceleration on the way up.