This is a physics question that involves understanding the concept of mechanical energy. Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy.
In this scenario, both the feather and the bowling ball are dropped from the same height in a vacuum, which means there is no air resistance. This implies that both objects will only experience gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy.
The feather is very light compared to the bowling ball and will experience a larger air resistance force. As a result, the feather will reach a terminal velocity quickly and its kinetic energy will remain constant. Its potential energy will decrease as it falls due to gravity, but its total mechanical energy (sum of potential and kinetic energy) will remain constant.
On the other hand, the bowling ball will experience a smaller air resistance force due to its mass. As it falls freely, its potential energy will decrease and be converted into kinetic energy. Therefore, the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball will decrease as it falls.
Based on this understanding, the correct graph would show the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball decreasing as it falls.
Response 3: This graph shows the correct behavior of the bowling ball's total mechanical energy decreasing as it falls.
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Question
A feather and a bowling ball are each dropped from an equal height in a vacuum and land at the same time. Which graph shows the total mechanical energy of the bowling ball as it falls?
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