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Let's assume the object is falling down (this is only one case of free fall). Its speed increases, therefore, its kinetic energy increases. However, to compensate, the object loses energy of position - potential energy. The sum of the two, kinetic energy + potential energy, remains constant, as long as no other forces (other than gravity) act on the object.
In free fall, gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy as an object falls. This transfer of energy occurs such that the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) of the object remains constant in the absence of non-conservative forces like air resistance. Therefore, the object's total energy (kinetic + potential) is conserved during free fall.
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Can an object in free fall has a constant momentum?
Yes, an object in free fall can have a constant momentum if no external forces are acting on it. In free fall, the only force acting on the object is gravity, which causes a constant acceleration. As long as no external forces are present, the momentum of the object will remain constant.
Energy conservation during free-fall?
During free-fall, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as an object falls due to gravity. This conversion process is an example of energy conservation, where the total mechanical energy (potential energy + kinetic energy) of the object remains constant throughout the fall in the absence of external forces like air resistance.
How is the conservation of energy applied to an object in free fall from a height h to the ground?
In free fall, the object converts its potential energy at height h into kinetic energy as it falls. The conservation of energy principle states that the total energy (sum of potential and kinetic energy) of the object remains constant if we ignore factors like air resistance. Therefore, as the object falls from height h to the ground, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, with the total mechanical energy remaining constant throughout the fall.
What happens to free-fall velocity when air resistance equals weight?
When air resistance equals weight, the net force on the object becomes zero, resulting in a constant velocity known as the terminal velocity. In the case of free fall, the object will continue to fall at this terminal velocity as long as the forces remain balanced.
Which properties of a ball is conserved as it falls freely in a vacuum?
The mechanical energy of the ball is conserved as it falls freely in a vacuum, meaning the sum of its potential and kinetic energy remains constant. Additionally, the total momentum of the ball is conserved during its free fall.
Can an object in free fall has a constant momentum?
Yes, an object in free fall can have a constant momentum if no external forces are acting on it. In free fall, the only force acting on the object is gravity, which causes a constant acceleration. As long as no external forces are present, the momentum of the object will remain constant.
Energy conservation during free-fall?
During free-fall, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as an object falls due to gravity. This conversion process is an example of energy conservation, where the total mechanical energy (potential energy + kinetic energy) of the object remains constant throughout the fall in the absence of external forces like air resistance.
Is it conservation of mechanical energy when skydivers drop in the air at a constant rate and why?
No. In free fall, where mechanical energy is conserved, the falling object would go faster and faster. In this case, to fall at a constant speed, mechanical energy is lost, due to friction.
How is the conservation of energy applied to an object in free fall from a height h to the ground?
In free fall, the object converts its potential energy at height h into kinetic energy as it falls. The conservation of energy principle states that the total energy (sum of potential and kinetic energy) of the object remains constant if we ignore factors like air resistance. Therefore, as the object falls from height h to the ground, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, with the total mechanical energy remaining constant throughout the fall.
What happens to free-fall velocity when air resistance equals weight?
When air resistance equals weight, the net force on the object becomes zero, resulting in a constant velocity known as the terminal velocity. In the case of free fall, the object will continue to fall at this terminal velocity as long as the forces remain balanced.
Which properties of a ball is conserved as it falls freely in a vacuum?
The mechanical energy of the ball is conserved as it falls freely in a vacuum, meaning the sum of its potential and kinetic energy remains constant. Additionally, the total momentum of the ball is conserved during its free fall.
Is hail thermal energy?
No. Hail consists of pieces of ice that fall during a thunderstorm. The energy they have is kinetic energy.
How many times during one rise and fall of the ball are the gravitational potential and kinetic energy equal?
During one rise and fall of the ball, the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy are equal two times: at the highest point (when all energy is potential) and at the lowest point (when all energy is kinetic).
Why would there be more gravitational potential energy than kinetic energy?
There would be more gravitational potential energy than kinetic energy when an object is at a high elevation or position above the ground, where the gravitational potential energy is proportional to the height of the object. As the object falls, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy, so at any point during the fall, the sum of potential and kinetic energy remains constant.
Why does a spinning top never remain in motion forever?
The force of friction will eventually steal away the energy of the spinning top, and it will fall over.
What is the total mechanical energy of a glass of milk falling off a table at a time when its potential energy is 15j and its kinetic energy is 12j?
The total mechanical energy would be the sum of its potential and kinetic energy, which is 27 J in this case (15 J + 12 J). This total mechanical energy remains constant if no external forces, such as air resistance, are acting on the glass of milk during its fall.
Can you fall up?
"Falling" typically refers to moving downward due to gravity. While you can jump or be lifted upwards, the term "falling up" is not commonly used to describe a physical action because it goes against the concept of falling.
