Before the coyote begins to fall, what can you tell about the potential and kinetic energy of the roadrunner vs the coyote?
Select all correct responses
a
Ignoring air resistance and assuming they have the same mass, the kinetic energy of both is equal right before impact with the ground.
b
The potential energy of both are equal.
c
Weight is the same for both, regardless of mass.
d
The potential energy of the one with the most mass is greater than the other.
a, b, and d
The correct responses are:
a) Ignoring air resistance and assuming they have the same mass, the kinetic energy of both is equal right before impact with the ground.
c) Weight is the same for both, regardless of mass.
Explanation:
a) Ignoring air resistance, the kinetic energy of an object is given by the equation KE = (½)mv², where m is the mass and v is the velocity. The kinetic energy depends on the mass and the square of the velocity. Since both the roadrunner and the coyote have the same mass and are falling from the same height, their velocities just before impact will be the same. Therefore, their kinetic energy will also be equal.
c) Weight is defined as the force of gravity acting on an object, given by the equation weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity. The weight of an object depends on the mass of the object and the acceleration due to gravity, which is the same for all objects on Earth. Therefore, the weight of the roadrunner and the coyote will be the same, regardless of their mass.
b) The potential energy of an object is given by the equation PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. The potential energy of an object depends on its mass, the acceleration due to gravity, and the height at which it is located. Since the roadrunner and the coyote are falling from the same height, their potential energies will be equal.
d) The potential energy of an object depends on its mass and the height at which it is located. If one object has a greater mass than the other, assuming they are at the same height, the object with the greater mass will have a greater potential energy. Therefore, the statement that the potential energy of the one with the most mass is greater than the other is incorrect in this scenario.