Question

mission we4: mechanical energy
suppose an object moves upward with an increasing speed. in this situation, the objects kinetic energy would __, its potential energy would , and its total mechanical energy would __. enter the three letters in their respective order.
a. remain the same
b. increase
c. decrease
d. ... nonsense! it is impossible to tell without additional info.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze kinetic energy

Kinetic energy formula is \(K = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\). Since the speed \(v\) is increasing and mass \(m\) is constant, kinetic energy increases.

Step2: Analyze potential energy

Gravitational potential energy formula is \(U = mgh\). As the object moves upward, height \(h\) increases and mass \(m\) and \(g\) (acceleration due to gravity) are constant, so potential energy increases.

Step3: Analyze total mechanical energy

Total mechanical energy \(E=K + U\). Since \(K\) and \(U\) both increase, total mechanical energy increases.

Answer:

b, b, b