Potential and kinetic force of an arrow shot at space.

PE = mgh = KE = 1/2mv^2. Therefore, the potential energy of the arrow when it's pulled in the bow is equivalent to half of its mass multiplied by the square of its velocity. In summary, the person in space has shot an arrow with a constant velocity of 200m/s due to the absence of friction and gravitational force. The force exerted on the arrow from the bow was 2000 N for 0.05 seconds, resulting in a velocity of 200m/s. To calculate the potential energy of the arrow when it's pulled in the bow, conservation of energy can be used by equating the potential energy with half of the mass multiplied by the square of the velocity.
  • #1
Karagoz
Assume a person is at space, and assume there's no friction or gravitational force in that space.

The person has a bow and arrow. He stretches the arrow on the bow, and then shots the arrow out in the space. Since there are no friction and gravitational force in that space, the arrow will have constant velocity very long distance or until another force exerted on it.

ArrowAndBow.png
The force exerted on the arrow from the bow is 2000 N. The force is exerted only for 0.05 seconds since the arrow quickly moves out off the bow. And the arrow weights 0.5 Kg. From my calculations* the velocity of the arrow will be 200m/s if I'm not wrong.

But I wonder what will be the potential energy of the arrow when it's pulled in the bow?
How do we calculate it?

*Force = mass * acceleration

1 N = 1 Kg * 1m/s^2

2000 N = 0.5 Kg * a

2000 / 0.5kg = a

a = 4000m/s^2

Velocity = acceleration*time

Velocity = 4000 * 0.05s = 200m/s.

Speed of the arrow in the space is 200m/s.
 

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  • #2
Karagoz said:
How do we calculate it?

Using conservation of energy. The PE before release equals the KE after release.
 
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1. What is potential and kinetic force?

Potential force is the energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. Kinetic force is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

2. How does an arrow shot at space have potential and kinetic force?

When an arrow is shot at space, it has potential force due to its position and height above the Earth's surface. As it moves through space, it also gains kinetic force due to its motion.

3. Can an arrow shot at space continue to gain potential and kinetic force?

As the arrow moves further away from the Earth, its potential force decreases as it moves further from the Earth's gravitational pull. However, its kinetic force can continue to increase as it gains more speed and momentum.

4. How does air resistance affect the potential and kinetic force of an arrow shot at space?

As the arrow moves through the Earth's atmosphere, it will experience air resistance which will slow it down and decrease its kinetic force. This will also decrease its potential force as it moves closer to the Earth's surface.

5. What happens to the potential and kinetic force of an arrow shot at space when it reaches its maximum height?

When the arrow reaches its maximum height, it will have no potential force as it is not at a higher position. However, it will still have kinetic force due to its motion. As it begins to fall back to Earth, its kinetic force will increase as it gains speed and its potential force will increase as it moves closer to the Earth's surface.

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