Question
Describe the changes in form of energy (kinetic changes to potential, etc.) that occur for the energy of a rock dropped to the ground from a cliff. What form or forms do you suppose the energy takes when the rock hits the ground?
Step 1
When the rock is held at a height, it possesses gravitational potential energy due to its position above the ground. Show more…
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When a rock is held above the ground, we say it has some potential energy. When we let it go, it falls and we say the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy. Finally, the rock hits the ground. What has happened to the energy? The energy goes into the ground and, as a result, the orbit of the earth about the Sun is slightly changed. The energy goes to producing sound and to heating the ground, rock, and surrounding air. The rock keeps the energy inside it (saving it for later use). It is lost forever. Energy does not have to be conserved. It is transformed back into gravitational potential energy
Consider the falling of a rock off a cliff into seawater, and eventually settling at the bottom of the sea. Starting with the potential energy of the rock, identify the energy transfers and transformations involved during this process.
You lift your textbook and drop it onto a desk. Describe the energy transformations (from one form to another) that occur, moving backward in time from a moment after impact.
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