# A rubber ball is thrown vertically upwards and then falls back down. As the ball rises, the resultant force on the ball acts downwards. Explain why the ball eventually stops rising and then falls back down, referring to the resultant force and the direction of the ball's motion.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625) — 1.5 Forces · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Weight / gravitational force acts downwards on the ball throughout its motion
2. The resultant force acts downwards (opposite to the direction of motion as the ball rises), so the ball decelerates
3. The ball's upward speed decreases to zero / the ball momentarily stops at the highest point
4. The resultant force (weight) still acts downwards, so the ball accelerates downwards / falls back down

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Physics (0625)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-rubber-ball-is-thrown-vertically-bdf771f3) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.