Arizona State University (ASU) PHY101 Introduction to Physics Practice Exam

To determine the net force acting on the 1 kg ball during its fall, it's important to analyze the forces involved. When an object falls under the influence of gravity, it experiences a downward force due to gravity, which can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, F = m * g.

For the 1 kg ball, the gravitational force is the mass (1 kg) multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 10 m/s²), resulting in a gravitational force of 10 N directed downward.

As the ball falls, it encounters air resistance, which is acting in the opposite direction (upward). In this scenario, the air resistance is given as 2 N. To find the net force, you subtract the upward force of air resistance from the downward gravitational force:

Net Force = Gravitational Force - Air Resistance

Net Force = 10 N - 2 N = 8 N

Therefore, the net force acting on the ball is 8 N downward. This properly accounts for both the force of gravity pulling the ball downwards and the opposing air resistance that reduces its overall acceleration.