An object of mass m is made to fall freely from a height h. As the object continues to fall, what will happen to its energy?
The potential energy would decrease while the kinetic energy would increase.
An object with mass m falls freely from height h. This scenario involves the conversion between potential and kinetic energy due to gravitational force. Initially, the object has maximum potential energy and no kinetic energy when it is at rest at height h. The potential energy U at height h is given by:
U = mgh
where g is the acceleration due to gravity.
As the object falls, it loses height, and thus its potential energy decreases. Simultaneously, its speed and kinetic energy increase. The kinetic energy K is given by:
K = (1/2)mv²
where v is the velocity of the object.
By energy conservation principle, the total mechanical energy (sum of potential and kinetic energy) remains constant if we ignore air resistance. Thus, potential energy lost is converted into kinetic energy. As the object continues to fall:
The potential energy decreases while the kinetic energy increases.
Similar Questions
- Determine the energy of an object with a mass of 5 kg at a height of 8 metres above the ground. Assume the value of 'g' as 9.8 m s-2.
- The potential energy of a 20-kg object at height h is 600 J. The value of h is ______. (Take \(g = 10 \text{ m/s}^2\).)
- The potential energy of a 20-kg object at height h is 600 J. The value of h is _____. (Take \(g = 10\ m/s^2\).)
Calculate the energy possessed by an object of mass 10 kg when it is raised to a height of 5 m from the ground. Given: g = 9.8 m s-2.
In the case of light reflection from a convex mirror, when a parallel beam strikes its surface, how is the reflected light?
Important Questions from Potential Energy
Which of the following is an example of gravitational potential energy?
- Determine the energy of an object with a mass of 5 kg at a height of 8 metres above the ground. Assume the value of 'g' as 9.8 m s-2.
The Energy stored in a system is called as
The potential energy acquired by a balloon when we press it (changing its shape), or by a spring inside a toy car when wound, is possessed by virtue of the object's _________________.
- The potential energy of a 20-kg object at height h is 600 J. The value of h is ______. (Take \(g = 10 \text{ m/s}^2\).)
