Question

suppose an object moves upward at a constant 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. decrease
c. increase
d. ... nonsense! it is impossible to tell without additional info.

Explanation:

• Kinetic energy formula: \(KE=\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}\). Since the object moves at a constant speed (\(v\) is constant) and mass (\(m\)) is constant, kinetic energy remains the same.
• Potential energy formula: \(PE = mgh\). As the object moves upward (\(h\) increases) and \(m\) and \(g\) (acceleration due to gravity) are constant, potential energy increases.
• Total mechanical energy formula: \(E=KE + PE\). Since \(KE\) is constant and \(PE\) increases, total mechanical energy increases.

Answer:

a, c, c