Question

Why is the answer B and not E?

Answer 1

Answer:  B

Explanation:

E shows the direction of the ball but the question asks about the direction of the STICK, which is the opposite of the ball.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The ball's horizontal velocity changes from vi to 0, so the acceleration is negative, meaning the force component must point to the left.

The ball's vertical velocity changes from 0 to vf, so the acceleration is positive, meaning the force component must point up.

So you're looking for a force that points to the left and up, where the horizontal component is greater than the vertical component.