Question

An object is thrown vertically upwards. At its maximum height, which of the following quantity becomes zero?

• A. Momentum
• B. Potential Energy
• C. Acceleration
• D. Force

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this question, we need to understand what happens when an object is thrown vertically upwards and reaches its maximum height.

1. When an object is thrown vertically upwards, it rises until its velocity becomes zero at its maximum height. Beyond this point, the object begins to fall back down due to gravity.
2. At the maximum height, the vertical component of the object's velocity is zero. Since momentum (p) is the product of mass (m) and velocity (v), given by the equation: p = mv, if the velocity (v) is zero, then the momentum will also be zero. Therefore, momentum becomes zero at this point.
3. Potential Energy does not become zero at the maximum height; in fact, it is at its maximum because the object is at its highest point above the ground.
4. The acceleration due to gravity is a downward constant force acting on the object, and it remains the same (approximately 9.8 \, m/s^2) at all points in the object's trajectory, including the maximum height.
5. Force is also constant due to gravity acting on the object; it doesn't become zero at the maximum height.
6. Thus, the only quantity that becomes zero at the maximum height is momentum.

Therefore, the correct answer is Momentum.