For dropped objects, which of the following describes acceleration in both the horizontal and vertical

directions.
answers:
Acceleration is -9.8 m/s2 in both directions.

Acceleration is equal in both directions.

Acceleration is constant in both directions.

Acceleration is zero in both directions.

1 answer

For a dropped object (ignoring air resistance), the correct description of acceleration in both the horizontal and vertical directions is:

Acceleration is -9.8 m/s² in both directions.

However, it's important to note that in the horizontal direction, if we assume no air resistance, the acceleration is actually 0 m/s² because the object does not experience any horizontal forces. Therefore, a more precise statement would be:

  • Vertical acceleration (due to gravity) is -9.8 m/s².
  • Horizontal acceleration is 0 m/s².

Thus, none of the provided answers accurately describe the situation completely, as only one direction (vertical) has the acceleration of -9.8 m/s², while the horizontal direction has zero acceleration.