A student drops a feather and a bowling ball from equal heights in a vacuum. The objects land at the same time. What type of graph would correctly show the bowling ball’s total mechanical energy as it falls?

Question

A. "Total energy" on the y axis and "Time" on the x axis with a curved line pointing upward inside of the graph
B. Total energy" on the y axis and "Time" on the x axis with a straight line pointing upward from the corner of the graph inside of the graph
C. Total energy" on the y axis and "Time" on the x axis with a straight line pointing sideways inside of the graph
D. Total energy" on the y axis and "Time" on the x axis with a straight line pointing downward starting from the top of the graph inside of the graph

Answer 1

In the case of the bowling ball falling in a vacuum, its total mechanical energy (the sum of its potential and kinetic energy) remains constant throughout the fall due to the conservation of energy. As the bowling ball falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, but the total mechanical energy remains unchanged.

Given these considerations, the correct type of graph would show the total mechanical energy remaining constant over time.

Thus, the correct answer is:

C. "Total energy" on the y axis and "Time" on the x axis with a straight line pointing sideways inside of the graph.