An object falls freely near Earth's surface. Which graph best represents the relationship between the object's kinetic energy and time elapsed during its fall?

Answer 1

The relationship between an object's kinetic energy and time elapsed during its fall can be represented by a parabolic curve. Initially, as the object falls, its kinetic energy increases gradually. However, as the object continues to fall, its speed increases, leading to a greater kinetic energy. Eventually, as the object reaches its terminal velocity, the increase in kinetic energy becomes less steep. Therefore, the graph that best represents this relationship would be a curve that starts gradually and then becomes steeper, but with a diminishing slope as time goes on.