Kinetic and Potential Energy of Baseball Graphing Question

In summary, a baseball is thrown upwards and caught after 5 seconds, with no air resistance and the zero point of gravitational potential energy at the starting position. When graphing the potential energy, it is the inverse of the kinetic energy graph due to the conservation of total energy. As one increases, the other decreases to keep the total energy constant.
  • #1
1man
17
0
A baseball is thrown directly upward at time t=0 and is caught again at time t=5\;\rm s. Assume that air resistance is so small that it can be ignored and that the zero point of gravitational potential energy is located at the position at which the ball leaves the thrower's hand.

I need to sketch a graph of the baseball's gravitational potential energy. I am stuck at this part. I already did the graph for kinetic energy but I do not know what to do for this
 
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  • #2
If, as you say, you already have the kinetic energy graph, then the potential energy graph is the exact inverse of it. This is because the total energy (k.e. + p.e) is constant. As the one goes up the other goes down such that the sum stays the same.
 
  • #3
thank you
 

FAQ: Kinetic and Potential Energy of Baseball Graphing Question

1. What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state.

2. How is kinetic and potential energy related to the motion of a baseball?

As a baseball is thrown, it possesses both kinetic and potential energy. The kinetic energy increases as the ball moves faster, while the potential energy decreases as it travels further from the ground.

3. How can I graph the kinetic and potential energy of a baseball?

To graph the kinetic and potential energy of a baseball, you can plot the velocity of the ball on the x-axis and the height of the ball on the y-axis. The kinetic energy can be represented by the slope of the graph, while the potential energy is represented by the height of the graph.

4. How does air resistance affect the kinetic and potential energy of a baseball?

Air resistance, also known as drag, decreases the kinetic energy of a baseball as it travels through the air. This is because the air molecules slow down the ball, reducing its velocity. However, air resistance does not affect the potential energy of the ball, as it is dependent on the ball's height and not its motion.

5. What other factors can affect the kinetic and potential energy of a baseball?

Aside from air resistance, other factors that can affect the kinetic and potential energy of a baseball include the weight and size of the ball, the angle and speed at which it is thrown, and the force of gravity. The type of surface the ball is thrown on can also have an impact on its energy.

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