Question

An object is released from rest high above the surface of the earth. When it has fallen halfway to the surface, its kinetic energy is KE1. After it has fallen twice as far, just before it hits the surface of the earth, its kinetic energy is KE2. 1) How does KE2 compare to twice KE1

Answer 1

Answer:

There will be an increase in the kinetic energy

Explanation:

A falling object converts the gravitational potential energy to the kinetic energy. The potential energy is then converted to kinetic energy followed by the conversation:

$E_{p} = E_{k}$

where Ep and Ek are potential and kinetic energies respectively.

This potential energy is then converted to kinetic energy. Halfway, the kinetic energy is equal to KE1.

However, the kinetic energy is given by the equation:

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2}$

As the velocity increases, the kinetic energy increases. Hence KE2 will be greater than KE1