Kinetic Energy vs time graph of free falling object?

The image says it all basically.
I'm contemplating between A and B but i'm unsure as to which is the correct one and why
Thanks

I'm pretty sure it's C as kinetic energy is proportional to velocity squared (KE=0.5mv^2) and velocity is increasing due to the objects weight

Kinetic energy is 0.5*mass*(velocity)^2. If you know the object is in free fall then you know the only force acting on it is g and a resistive force so you can work out how v evolves with time and hence kinetic energy.

Massive hint: the object reaches terminal velocity, so the kinetic energy must tend to a constant value: only one of those graphs goes to a constant kinetic energy...

Where did you get this question? SAT? :O

So in other words...B since it tends to level off

Yep

The closer and closer the body gets to its terminal velocity, the lower the rate of change of kinetic energy. In A, rate of change is constant, so...

I would say B because as soon as it reaches terminal velocity then Ek will be constant as Ek =1/2MV^2 where mass is constant. A would be the graph if it continually increased but Ek will eventually come to a limit as the terminal velocity occurs when frictional forces balances out with weight of the downwards moving object.
Hopefully I didn't just ramble on and it's the wrong answer haha.


Posted from TSR Mobile

Thanks haha and no its correct

Thanks! May I ask what level you are studying at ? I did Scottish higher physics this year which is similar to A level I think and recently sat the exam for it last week.


Posted from TSR Mobile

Well in my country, Trinidad (in the Caribbean), its just called A level or "form 6" which consists of two units. (each unit is a school year long)
The examinations are called CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination)
(not sure if this answers your question lol)

Thanks haha and no its correct

wait? What's the answer?

I thought its B?