As an object falls how are kinetic and potential energy related
Potential energy is lost while kinetic energy is gained.
The relationship between kinetic and potential energy in a falling object can be explained using the principles of physics. To understand this relationship, we can start by defining kinetic and potential energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. It depends on two factors: the mass of the object (m) and its velocity (v). The formula for kinetic energy is given by:
Kinetic energy (K) = (1/2) * m * v^2
On the other hand, potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or condition. In the case of a falling object, we are concerned with gravitational potential energy. It depends on two factors: the mass of the object (m) and the height of the object above a reference point (h). The formula for gravitational potential energy is given by:
Potential energy (P) = m * g * h
In this formula, g represents the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2).
Now, let's consider an object that is initially at rest and then released to fall from a certain height. As the object falls, it accelerates due to the force of gravity. This acceleration increases its velocity over time. Consequently, the kinetic energy of the object increases.
At the same time, the object loses height as it falls. As the height decreases, the gravitational potential energy decreases because the object is getting closer to the reference point, typically the ground. Therefore, the potential energy of the object decreases.
As the object falls, the decrease in potential energy is converted into an increase in kinetic energy. This is consistent with the principle of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another.
Thus, as an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. At the bottom of the fall, when the object reaches the ground, all of its initial potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
As an object falls, the kinetic energy and potential energy are related in the following way:
1. Starting Point: At the initial position, when the object is stationary, it has maximum potential energy and zero kinetic energy. The potential energy is determined by the height of the object from the ground or a reference point.
2. Falling: As the object falls under the influence of gravity, its potential energy decreases. Simultaneously, its kinetic energy increases. This is because the object's height decreases, leading to a decrease in potential energy, while its speed increases, resulting in an increase in kinetic energy.
3. Transition Point: At some point during the fall, usually in the absence of air resistance, all the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. This occurs when the object reaches its maximum velocity, also known as terminal velocity.
4. Terminal Velocity: At terminal velocity, the object will continue to fall, but its speed remains constant. This means that the kinetic energy will also remain constant while potential energy is at its minimum.
5. Impact: When the object reaches the ground or another surface, it will stop and have zero kinetic energy. However, the potential energy at this point is zero since it is measured relative to the ground. Some energy may be lost due to factors like air resistance or deformation upon impact.
In summary, as an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases until it reaches its maximum velocity. At this point, both potential and kinetic energy reach a balance, and the object will have constant kinetic energy until it reaches the ground.