# A tennis ball is dropped from rest and falls vertically downward. It hits the ground and bounces back upward. Explain what happens to the forces acting on the tennis ball from the moment it is dropped until it reaches its highest point after bouncing.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.4.1 Mechanics · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. During the fall, the only force acting (before contact) is weight / gravitational force downward
2. The ball accelerates downward during the fall because there is a resultant force downward (weight is unbalanced / no air resistance mentioned OR air resistance is less than weight)
3. On contact with the ground, a large contact / normal / reaction force acts upward on the ball (greater than weight)
4. After leaving the ground, weight acts downward and the ball decelerates as it moves upward (resultant force is downward, opposing motion)
5. At the highest point after bouncing, the ball is momentarily stationary but weight still acts downward (forces are not balanced / weight is still the only force)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](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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