I had a test recently and I am wondering if I got this question right:?

Question

What effect does air resistance have on a falling object?

a.) increase in kinetic energy

b.) decrease in kinetic energy

c.) increase in potential energy

d.) none of the above


I picked (b). Why am I right/wrong?

Answer 1

Congrats!!! You are right. In general when an object is falling, P.E decreases and K.E increases. But your question is about the effect of air resistance which is just like the friction of asphalt against your tires. Friction is a force in the OPPOSITE direction of motion.

While the K.E of the falling object is increasing, air resistance will act in the opposite direction and reduce it.

You are right...

Answer 2

I think you're correct.

Potential energy deals with the height of an object at rest. A falling object has kinetic energy, which is described by the equation 1/2 M V ^2 or one half mass times velocity squared. Since air resistance reduces velocity, its effect is to reduce kinetic energy.

Answer 3

i think you are right because
when the object is falling down, it has kinetic energy
but the air resistance will try to stop the object
so it will reduce its kinetic energy

Answer 4

You're right. The force of air resistance, like the force of friction, does work on the object but is always directed against the motion. So (a) isn't true; the work from friction forces costs you energy. (c) isn't true; friction forces have nothing to do with potential energy.