Question

an apple is falling from a tree. disregarding air resistance, which diagram shows the free - body diagram of the force or forces acting on the apple?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze forces on apple

When an apple falls from a tree and air resistance is disregarded, the only force acting on it is the gravitational force (weight) pulling it downwards. There's no upward force (like normal force or air resistance here) and no horizontal forces.

Step2: Evaluate diagrams

• First diagram: Two vertical forces (up and down) – incorrect, as no upward force.
• Second diagram: Horizontal force – incorrect, no horizontal forces.
• Third diagram: Horizontal and vertical forces – incorrect, no horizontal force.
• Fourth diagram: Single downward force (gravity) – correct, matches the force on the falling apple (no air resistance, so only gravity).

Answer:

The fourth diagram (the one with a single downward - pointing force vector acting on the apple)