An object falls freely near Earth's surface. Which graph best represents the relationship between the object's kinetic energy and time elapsed during its fall?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The correct graph would be graph C, where the kinetic energy of the object increases as time elapses during its fall.
Since the object falls freely near Earth's surface, its kinetic energy will increase as it falls and gains speed.
The correct graph that represents this relationship is graph C, where the kinetic energy increases with time elapsed.
Graph A shows a constant kinetic energy, which is not the case for a freely falling object.
Graph B shows a decrease in kinetic energy, which also does not represent the relationship correctly.
Graph D shows a parabolic relationship, which is not accurate for the scenario described.
Therefore, the correct answer is graph C.
In order to determine which graph best represents the relationship between the object's kinetic energy and time elapsed during its fall, we need to first understand the factors that affect kinetic energy.
The kinetic energy of an object is determined by its mass and velocity. As the object falls freely near Earth's surface, the only factor that changes is the object's velocity. The object's mass remains constant.
Now let's analyze each graph to see if it represents the relationship accurately:
A. This graph shows a constant kinetic energy over time. However, as the object falls, its velocity, and therefore its kinetic energy, should increase. So, graph A does not accurately represent the relationship.
B. This graph shows an increasing kinetic energy over time. As the object falls, its velocity and kinetic energy should indeed increase. Therefore, graph B could potentially represent the relationship accurately.
C. This graph shows a decreasing kinetic energy over time. This contradicts our understanding that the velocity and kinetic energy of an object should increase as it falls. So, graph C does not accurately represent the relationship.
D. This graph shows a fluctuating kinetic energy over time. The fluctuations in the graph do not align with the understanding that the object's kinetic energy should increase consistently as it falls. Therefore, graph D does not accurately represent the relationship.
Based on our analysis, graph B represents the relationship between the object's kinetic energy and time elapsed during its fall most accurately.