Question

mission we4: mechanical energy
suppose an object slows down while moving horizontally. 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. decrease
c. increase
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 object slows down (\(v\) decreases) and mass \(m\) is constant, kinetic energy \(K\) decreases.

Step2: Analyze potential energy

The object is moving horizontally. The height \(h\) (for gravitational potential energy \(U = mgh\)) and other factors (for elastic potential energy etc.) related to potential energy remain the same. So potential energy \(U\) remains the same.

Step3: Analyze total mechanical energy

Total mechanical energy \(E=K + U\). \(K\) decreases and \(U\) remains the same. So \(E\) decreases.

Answer:

b, a, b