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Questions and Answers
What happens to the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of the parachute from the moment it opens until it nears the ground?
What happens to the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of the parachute from the moment it opens until it nears the ground?
The gravitational potential energy decreases as the parachute descends closer to the ground.
How does the kinetic energy (KE) of the parachute change during its descent after the parachute opens?
How does the kinetic energy (KE) of the parachute change during its descent after the parachute opens?
The kinetic energy decreases as the parachute slows down due to air resistance.
Explain how the law of conservation of energy applies to the parachute's descent.
Explain how the law of conservation of energy applies to the parachute's descent.
Energy is conserved; the decrease in GPE is equal to the increase in KE, less the energy lost to air resistance.
What role does air resistance play in the energy changes observed after the parachute opens?
What role does air resistance play in the energy changes observed after the parachute opens?
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Why is it significant that both GPE and KE decrease during the parachute's landing?
Why is it significant that both GPE and KE decrease during the parachute's landing?
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Study Notes
Energy Conservation During Parachute Descent
- As a parachute opens and descends, gravitational potential energy (GPE) and kinetic energy (KE) both decrease.
- This decrease is consistent with the principle of energy conservation.
- Energy is not lost during this process. Rather, it's transferred or transformed.
- GPE decreases as the parachute's height above the ground decreases, meaning gravity does work on the parachute.
- KE decreases because air resistance (drag) converts some of the parachute's initial kinetic energy into heat energy. Air resistance opposes the motion of the parachute.
- Total energy (GPE + KE) remains constant throughout the descent. Energy may be converted into heat energy due to friction between the air and the parachute.
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Description
This quiz explores the principles of energy conservation during a parachute descent. It covers the transformation of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy and how air resistance plays a role in this process. Test your understanding of these fundamental concepts in physics!
