Question

a ball is dropped from the top of a building. it initially moves at 4.0 m/s. after 0.5 seconds, it moves at 3.8 m/s. what force is responsible for the slowing of the ball?
tension gravity normal air resistance

Explanation:

• Tension is a force in strings/ropes, not acting here.
• Gravity accelerates objects downward (would increase speed, not slow), so not gravity.
• Normal force acts perpendicular to surfaces (not relevant for a falling ball).
• Air resistance opposes motion of objects through air, slowing falling objects. The ball’s speed decreases, so air resistance is the force slowing it.

Answer:

air resistance