Since mechanical energy is conserved when no external force is applied, in this case, the gravitational potential energy is converted to kinetic energy just as it reaches the ground. After it strikes the ground, a part of this energy is used to deform the apple and other is converted to sound and heat energy.
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Short Note
When an apple falls from a tree what happens to its gravitational potential energy just as it reaches the ground? After it strikes the ground?
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Solution
When an apple falls from a tree, its gravitational potential energy decreases as it reaches the ground. After it strikes the ground, its potential energy will remain unchanged.
Concept: The Concept of Potential Energy
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Chapter 8: Work and Energy - Short Answers [Page 131]
Q 13Q 12Q 14
APPEARS IN
HC Verma Class 11, Class 12 Concepts of Physics Vol. 1
Chapter 8 Work and Energy
Short Answers | Q 13 | Page 131
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Solution : 1] Let us imagine an apple of mass 'm' falls from a height h.
2] Before starting to fall down, its velocity is zero. Hence its energy is purely potential.
3] When it falls down, its gravitational potential energy gradually converts into kinetic energy, but the entire enegy in the system remains same.
4] When it strikes the ground, its energy is fully kinetic, till its velocity becomes zero.
When an apple falls from a tree what happens to the gravitational potential energy?
3] When it falls down, its gravitational potential energy gradually converts into kinetic energy, but the entire enegy in the system remains same.