A ball falling through the air has——– : Only kinetic energy :Both potential energy because it still has a distance to move before it hits the ground and kinetic energy because its moving. : Only potential energy : Both kinetic energy because it still has a distance to move before it hits the ground and potential energy because its moving.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Both potential energy because it still has a distance to move before it hits the ground and kinetic energy because it’s moving.
Explanation:
When a ball is falling through the air, it possesses both potential energy and kinetic energy at the same time. These two forms of energy are part of mechanical energy, which is the total energy due to an object’s motion and position.
- Gravitational Potential Energy (PE):
Potential energy is stored energy due to the ball’s position in a gravitational field. As long as the ball is not yet on the ground, it still has some height, which means it still has potential energy. The formula for gravitational potential energy is: PE=mghPE = mghPE=mgh where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height above the ground. - Kinetic Energy (KE):
As the ball falls, it gains speed due to gravity, so it also has kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. The formula for kinetic energy is: KE=12mv2KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2KE=21mv2 where m is mass and v is velocity. The farther the ball falls, the faster it moves, so its kinetic energy increases.
As the ball continues to fall, potential energy decreases (because height decreases), and kinetic energy increases (because speed increases). However, until the ball hits the ground, it has not lost all of its potential energy. That’s why, during its fall, it simultaneously has both types of energy.
This concept is important in understanding the conservation of mechanical energy, which states that in the absence of air resistance, the total mechanical energy (PE + KE) remains constant throughout the fall.
