A ball is thrown straight up into the air. Which of the following is true about the ball's velocity \( v \) and acceleration \( a \) at the highest point of its path? A. Both \( v=0 \) and \( a=0 \) B. \( v \neq 0 \) but \( a=0 \) C. \( v=0 \) but \( a \neq 0 \)

At the highest point in the ball's trajectory, its behavior in terms of velocity and acceleration can be understood as follows: 1. **Velocity (\( v \))**: - **Instantaneous Velocity**: At the very top of its path, the ball momentarily stops before changing direction from upward to downward. This means the instantaneous velocity \( v = 0 \) at that specific point. 2. **Acceleration (\( a \))**: - **Constant Acceleration**: Regardless of the ball's position in its trajectory, the acceleration due to gravity (\( g \)) acts downward. This acceleration remains constant at approximately \( 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) (neglecting air resistance) throughout the ball's flight, including at the highest point. Combining these insights: - **Velocity at Highest Point**: \( v = 0 \) - **Acceleration at Highest Point**: \( a \neq 0 \) (specifically, \( a = -g \) if we take downward as negative) **Therefore, the correct statement is:** **C. \( v = 0 \) but \( a \neq 0 \)**