Question 44
Work, Energy and PowerA body is released from rest and allowed to fall freely from a given height under gravity. The kinetic energy at its half-way point is
- A.a little above half of its initial energy
- B.a little below half of its initial energy
- C.a half of its initial energy
- D.a little above its initial energy
- E.a little below its initial energy.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (a half of its initial energy)
Explanation
In free fall the potential energy lost turns into kinetic energy. Halfway down it has lost half its initial (potential) energy, so its KE is half the initial energy.