A feather and a bowling ball are each dropped from an equal height in a vacuum and land at the same time. Which graph shows the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls?
Responses
Since the feather and the bowling ball are dropped from the same height in a vacuum, the only force acting on them is gravity. In this case, the only form of energy involved is gravitational potential energy, which is converted into kinetic energy as the objects fall.
As the objects fall, the total mechanical energy (sum of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy) remains constant, as there is no other external force acting on them to do work or change their energy. Therefore, the graph showing the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls should be a horizontal line.
Response: The correct graph is the one that shows a horizontal line.
In a vacuum, the only force acting on an object falling is gravity. Assuming no other forces are present, we can conclude that the total mechanical energy of both the feather and the bowling ball will remain constant as they fall.
The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy. As the object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, but the total energy remains the same.
Therefore, the graph that represents the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls will be a horizontal line, showing that the total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the fall.
To determine the graph showing the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls, we need to understand the concept of mechanical energy and how it changes during free fall.
Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (KE) and potential energy (PE). During free fall, the potential energy of an object decreases while the kinetic energy increases, resulting in a constant total mechanical energy.
Now, let's analyze the options:
Option 1: A straight horizontal line
If the graph is a straight horizontal line, it means that the total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the fall. Since we know that the potential energy decreases and the kinetic energy increases, this graph does not accurately represent the changes in mechanical energy. Therefore, this option can be ruled out.
Option 2: A straight descending line
If the graph is a straight descending line, it suggests that the total mechanical energy decreases as the object falls. Since we know that the potential energy decreases while the kinetic energy increases, this would not accurately represent the changes in mechanical energy. Thus, this option can also be ruled out.
Option 3: A straight ascending line
If the graph is a straight ascending line, it implies that the total mechanical energy increases as the object falls. However, mechanical energy is conserved during free fall, and no additional energy is added or lost. Therefore, an ascending line does not accurately represent the changes in mechanical energy. This option can be ruled out as well.
Option 4: A horizontal line decreasing to zero
If the graph starts as a horizontal line and then decreases to zero, it accurately represents the changes in mechanical energy during free fall. Initially, the object has potential energy and no kinetic energy, so the total mechanical energy is equal to the potential energy. As the object falls and the potential energy decreases, the kinetic energy increases, resulting in a constant total mechanical energy. This option correctly represents the changes in mechanical energy and is the most suitable graph.
In conclusion, the graph showing the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls is represented by Option 4 - a horizontal line decreasing to zero.