To determine whether the ball will cross $x = 0$, the problem depends on both the initial velocity ($v_0$) and acceleration ($a$).

Key points:

• $v_0$: Initial velocity. A positive $v_0$ means the ball initially moves towards $x > 2 \, \text{m}$, while a negative $v_0$ means it moves towards $x = 0$.
• $a$: Acceleration. A positive $a$ indicates increasing speed in the positive direction (away from $x = 0$), and a negative $a$ indicates acceleration in the negative direction (towards $x = 0$).

The 4 cases:

1. Case 1 ($a > 0$, $v_0 > 0$): The ball starts moving away from $x = 0$ with positive initial velocity and positive acceleration, making it likely that the ball will not cross $x = 0$.

   • Conclusion: No need for more information, the ball won't cross $x = 0$.

2. Case 2 ($a > 0$, $v_0 < 0$): The ball starts with a velocity directed towards $x = 0$ but has positive acceleration (which opposes the initial velocity). It could either slow down and stop before crossing or accelerate away.

   • Conclusion: More information is needed. The ball might or might not cross $x = 0$ depending on the values of $v_0$ and $a$.

3. Case 3 ($a < 0$, $v_0 > 0$): The ball starts moving away from $x = 0$ with positive initial velocity, but negative acceleration slows it down. The ball could potentially stop and reverse its motion.

   • Conclusion: More information is needed. The ball might cross $x = 0$ if the acceleration is strong enough to reverse its motion.

4. Case 4 ($a < 0$, $v_0 < 0$): The ball starts with a velocity directed towards $x = 0$ and has negative acceleration (which accelerates the motion towards $x = 0$).

   • Conclusion: No need for more information, the ball will cross $x = 0$.

Summary:

More information is needed for case 2 and case 3 to determine whether the ball will cross $x = 0$.

Would you like a detailed explanation of any of these cases or related concepts?

Here are 5 related questions to consider:

1. How can you calculate the exact point where the ball stops and reverses direction?
2. What role does time play in the ball's motion across $x = 0$?
3. How does the inclined plane angle affect the acceleration of the ball?
4. What happens if friction is added to the inclined plane?
5. How would air resistance alter the ball's motion?

Tip: The sign of acceleration tells you whether the ball is speeding up or slowing down in its current direction of motion.