a coconut is falling from a palm tree
which of these is correct?
velocity of coconut p.e of coconut
1-decreasing decreasing
2-increasing decreasing
3-increasing increasing
4-decreasing increasing
Hi sweetie,
As a coconut is falling down, the only force acting on it is the gravitational force (its weight) if you neglect air resistance. So as it is accelerating as it falls, velocity ______.
P.E. of coconut = mgh, where m = mass of coconut, and h = height of coconut above ground.
So as the coconut falls, its height above ground (h) decreases, so P.E. _______.
Do fill in the blanks above! (:
-J
To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the scenario of a coconut falling from a palm tree.
First, let's understand the concepts involved:
1. Velocity: Velocity refers to the speed of an object in a particular direction. It can be either positive or negative, depending on the direction.
2. Potential Energy (P.E.): Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition. In the case of a falling object, potential energy is associated with its height or elevation.
Now, let's discuss the situation:
When a coconut is falling from a palm tree, it is subjected to the force of gravity. Gravity pulls the coconut downward, causing it to accelerate (increase its speed) as it falls.
Based on this understanding, we can analyze the options:
1. Decreasing velocity, decreasing potential energy: Since the coconut is accelerating due to gravity, its velocity is increasing as it falls. At the same time, the coconut's potential energy is decreasing as it loses elevation.
2. Increasing velocity, decreasing potential energy: This option correctly captures the simultaneous changes in velocity and potential energy. As the coconut falls, its velocity increases (due to acceleration) while its potential energy decreases (due to loss of elevation). Therefore, this option is correct.
3. Increasing velocity, increasing potential energy: This option contradicts the basic understanding of a falling object. As the coconut falls, its velocity increases, but its potential energy decreases since it loses elevation. Therefore, this option is not correct.
4. Decreasing velocity, increasing potential energy: This option does not align with the behavior of a falling object. As the coconut falls, its velocity increases due to acceleration, while its potential energy decreases due to loss of elevation. Therefore, this option is not correct.
So, the correct answer is option 2: Increasing velocity, decreasing potential energy.