A student drops a feather and a bowling ball from equal heights in a vacuum. The objects land at the same time. Which graph correctly shows the bowling ball’s total mechanical energy as it falls?(1 point)

Answer 1

The correct graph would show that the bowling ball's total mechanical energy decreases as it falls. Initially, when the ball is dropped, it has a certain amount of gravitational potential energy. As it falls, this potential energy converts into kinetic energy which causes the ball to gain speed. However, at the same time, the ball experiences air resistance, which gradually slows it down and converts its kinetic energy back into potential energy. Therefore, the total mechanical energy of the ball decreases as it falls.

The graph should show a decreasing trend in the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls.