# A ball is thrown horizontally and travels in a curved path before hitting the ground. Explain why the ball's velocity is changing throughout its flight, even though no horizontal force acts on it.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.5.6 Forces and motion · Explain · 4 marks

> A ball is thrown horizontally from a raised platform. It follows a curved path and lands on the ground some distance away.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Velocity is a vector quantity, so it has both magnitude and direction
2. Gravity / weight acts downward on the ball, causing a downward acceleration
3. The downward force produces a resultant force, so the ball accelerates downwards / gains a downward component of velocity
4. The direction of the overall velocity changes continuously, so the velocity changes even if horizontal speed stays constant

## Key terms

- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-ball-is-thrown-horizontally-and-5db69d33) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.