According to a computational model, which statement describes the effect decreasing the initial height of an object in free fall will have on the object?(1 point) Responses The total energy of the object will decrease. The total energy of the object will decrease. The initial potential energy of the object will be greater. The initial potential energy of the object will be greater. The total energy of the object will remain the same. The total energy of the object will remain the same. The final velocity of the object will remain the same. The final velocity of the object will remain the same.
The statement "The initial potential energy of the object will be greater" is incorrect.
The correct statement is "The total energy of the object will remain the same."
Decreasing the initial height of an object in free fall will have the effect of decreasing the initial potential energy of the object.
To determine the effect of decreasing the initial height of an object in free fall on the object's total energy and final velocity, we can refer to the laws of physics and basic principles of free fall.
Free fall is the motion of an object when it is only affected by the force of gravity. In this case, we can assume there is no air resistance or other external forces acting on the object.
The total energy of an object in free fall can be divided into its initial potential energy (due to its initial height) and its final kinetic energy (due to its motion). As the object falls, its potential energy decreases, while its kinetic energy increases. According to the conservation of energy principle, the total energy of the system remains constant.
If the initial height of the object is decreased, the initial potential energy of the object will also decrease. This is because potential energy is directly proportional to the height of the object. Therefore, the statement “The initial potential energy of the object will be greater” is incorrect.
Since the total energy of the object remains constant during free fall, it does not change when the initial height is decreased. Therefore, the statement “The total energy of the object will remain the same” is correct.
The final velocity of the object in free fall depends on factors such as the acceleration due to gravity and the initial height from which it falls. Decreasing the initial height will result in a shorter distance for the object to fall, but it will not directly affect the final velocity. Therefore, the statement “The final velocity of the object will remain the same” is correct.
So, the correct statements are:
- The total energy of the object will remain the same.
- The final velocity of the object will remain the same.