Question

A soccer player kicks a ball at an angle of 60 degrees above the ground. The soccer ball hits the ground some distance away. Neglect any effects due to air resistance.

Is there any point at which the soccer ball's velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to each other?

No, because the vertical component of the velocity vector points in the same direction as the acceleration vector at all times.

No, because the change in velocity vector and the acceleration vector point in the same direction at every point along the trajectory.

Yes, because at the highest position in the trajectory, the velocity vector points horizontally, and the acceleration vector points vertically downward.

Yes, because the velocity vector is always tangent to the trajectory’s curve, and the acceleration vector always points toward the center of curvature.

Answer 1

Yes, there is a point at which the soccer ball's velocity and acceleration vectors are perpendicular to each other.

We know that,

Acceleration vector (g) points downwards and horizontal component of velocity do not change in whole trajectory.

At the highest position in the trajectory, the velocity vector points horizontally, and the acceleration vector points

vertically downward.

Hence, they become perpendicular to each other at highest point.

Third option is correct.