Since the objects are dropped from the same height in a vacuum, there is no air resistance acting on them. Therefore, the only force acting on the objects is gravity.
The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy. As the objects fall, their potential energy decreases and their kinetic energy increases, but the total mechanical energy remains the same.
Therefore, the graph that correctly shows the bowling ball's total mechanical energy as it falls would be a horizontal line. The total mechanical energy of the bowling ball would remain constant throughout its fall in a vacuum.
Therefore, the correct graph would be Option C: a straight, horizontal line at a constant level.
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)
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