A comet speeds up as it approaches the Sun. Which statement about its kinetic energy is correct?
The comet's kinetic energy increases as it approaches the Sun.
As a comet speeds up while approaching the Sun, its kinetic energy increases.
To determine the correct statement about the kinetic energy of a comet as it approaches the Sun, we need to understand the relationship between kinetic energy and speed.
Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It depends on both the mass and the speed of the object. The formula to calculate kinetic energy is:
Kinetic Energy = (1/2) * mass * speed^2
Based on this equation, we can make the following observations:
1. If the speed of the comet increases as it approaches the Sun, its kinetic energy will also increase. Since kinetic energy is directly proportional to the square of the speed, any increase in speed will result in a greater increase in kinetic energy.
2. If the mass of the comet remains constant, then the change in kinetic energy will solely depend on the change in speed. Note that the mass of the comet is usually considered constant unless it undergoes significant events like disintegration or collisions.
Therefore, the correct statement about the kinetic energy of a comet as it approaches the Sun is that it increases as its speed increases.