Vertical Throw
An object thrown up slows, stops, then falls.
About this topic
When an object is thrown straight up, gravity slows it by 9.8 m/s every second until its velocity is zero at the top, then it falls back, passing the starting point at the same speed it left, but downwards. Acceleration is -9.8 m/s² the whole time, even at the peak.
Time up equals time down, and maximum height H = u²/(2g), with time to the top t = u/g. Use the equations of motion with a = -g, and be consistent about which direction is positive. The total flight time back to the start is 2u/g.
Example: a ball thrown upward at 20 m/s reaches the top after about 2.04 s, at a height of about 20.4 m, and returns to the hand after about 4.08 s with a speed of 20 m/s. At 1 s its velocity is about 10 m/s upward, and at 3 s about 10 m/s downward. Juggling, basketball and fireworks all use this motion.
Common misconception: students think acceleration is zero at the top because the ball stops for an instant. It is not; gravity is still acting, which is why the ball immediately turns around. Also, mass does not affect the motion when air resistance is small.
Key ideas
- Velocity is zero at the top
- Time up equals time down
- Acceleration is always g downward
Quick check
Use cases: where Vertical Throw helps
- Homework: review the key idea behind Vertical Throw before you start a problem set.
- Exam revision: use the quick check to test whether you can recall Vertical Throw without notes.
- Visual learning: play with the interactive lab to see how Vertical Throw changes when you adjust its inputs.
- Teaching a friend: explain Vertical Throw in your own words, then compare your version with the key ideas.
The same laws describe car crashes, sports, satellites and everyday machines.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vertical Throw?
An object thrown up slows, stops, then falls.
What will I learn in Vertical Throw?
Velocity is zero at the top. Time up equals time down. Acceleration is always g downward.
Is Vertical Throw part of Physics?
Yes. It is one of 150 Physics topics on LearnViz HighSchoolEdu, with 3 key ideas, a live animation and a quick check.
Does the Vertical Throw lab work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The animation resizes to fit your screen and supports touch, so you can drag, tap and slide with your finger.
How should I study Vertical Throw?
Read the summary and key ideas first, play with the interactive lab to see the idea in motion, then answer the quick check. If you get a question wrong, go back to the key idea it tests.
Do I need an account, and is my progress saved?
No account is needed. Marking a topic as learned is saved in your own browser, so it stays on that device and is not sent to a server.