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If a ball is thrown upward from the surface of the Earth and during its upward motion:

1. The Earth remains stationary while the ball moves upward
2. The ball remains stationary while the Earth moves downward
3. The ball and Earth both move toward each other
4. The ball and Earth both move away from each other

Correct answer: The ball and Earth both move away from each other

Solution

When the ball is thrown upward, the ball and Earth exert equal and opposite forces on each other. As a result, the ball moves upward and the Earth recoils slightly downward, so they move away from each other.

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