Vertical Projectile Motion is one of 10 topics in the Grade 12 Physical Sciences CAPS syllabus, covered across 3 lessons on Study Vault. Below are real practice questions from this topic with full worked answers.
Sample practice questions
Easy
1. A projectile in vertical motion (ignoring air resistance) has acceleration equal to:
g, approximately 9,8 m.s^-2 downward, constant throughout the motion
Zero, since it moves at constant velocity
Increasing as it falls
Zero only at the highest point
Answer: g, approximately 9,8 m.s^-2 downward, constant throughout the motion — Gravity acts at all times during free flight, giving a constant acceleration of approximately 9,8 m/s2 downward, even at the highest point where velocity is momentarily zero.
Easy
2. At the highest point of an object thrown straight up, which statement is correct (taking up as positive)?
v = 0 but a = -9,8 m.s^-2
v = 0 and a = 0
v is at its maximum and a = 0
v = -9,8 m.s^-2 and a = 0
Answer: v = 0 but a = -9,8 m.s^-2 — At the turning point the object is momentarily at rest (v=0) but gravity is still acting, so acceleration remains −9,8 m/s2.
Medium
3. A ball is thrown upward at 15 m⋅s−1 (up positive, g=−9,8 m⋅s−2). Calculate its velocity after 1 s using vf=vi+aΔt, in m⋅s−1.
