Understanding the Physics
* Symmetry: The ball's motion is symmetrical. The time it takes to go up is the same as the time it takes to come down. The speed at which it leaves the student's hand is the same speed it has when it returns.
* Gravity: The only force acting on the ball is gravity, which causes a constant downward acceleration of approximately 9.8 m/s².
The Answer
Since the ball's motion is symmetrical, when the student catches the ball, its velocity will be -12 meters per second.
* The negative sign indicates that the velocity is in the downward direction.
