Asked by boop

Use the description of the experiment to answer the prompt.

A rubber ball is dropped from the top of a ladder. It bounces on the same spot on the ground several times, each time to a lesser height than the previous bounce, before coming to rest in place.

In one or two sentences, explain how the experiment shows the direction that gravity pulls an object, specifically showing that it does not pull an object parallel to the ground.

(2 points)

Short Answer Rubric (2 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
2
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0
The question is not answered.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Because the dropped ball falls straight down and repeatedly bounces on the same spot while only its vertical bounce heights decrease, the force of gravity must be pulling it downward toward the ground. If gravity pulled parallel to the ground, the ball would move sideways and would not land repeatedly on the same spot.