If a ball is thrown vertically upwards with an initial velocity of zero, it means the ball starts from rest and only experiences the force of gravity acting on it. In this case, we can determine the maximum height reached using the equations of motion.
The initial velocity (u) is zero, as the ball starts from rest. The final velocity (v) at the maximum height is zero, as the ball momentarily comes to rest at its peak. The acceleration due to gravity (g) is -9.8 m/s², acting in the opposite direction to the motion. The displacement (s) is the maximum height reached by the ball.
We can use the equation of motion:
v² = u² + 2as
Plugging in the known values:
0² = 0 + 2(-9.8)s
Simplifying the equation:
0 = -19.6s
This implies that the displacement (s) is zero. Therefore, the maximum height reached by the ball is zero. In other words, the ball does not rise above its starting point and comes to rest immediately after being thrown upwards.