Energy Transformation equation for a free fall

[jman1114]

One of the discussion questions in a lab I did which was basically a free falling object where the kinetic and potential energies were measured. It asks what is the energy transformation equation for a free fall (1-step transformation).
Is it just:
Total Energy = Potential gravitational energy + Kinetic energy
Et= mgh + mv2/2

Then just cancel out the mass or am I going in the total wrong direction with this?

 

[radou]

Total energy is conserved, which means that mgh + 1/2 mv^2 = C, where C is a constant. Use the equations for h(t) and v(t) for a free fall and plug them into the energy equation to convince yourself that energy is constant for every moment t.

 

[kyle8921]

Your equation is correct! The energy transformation equation for a free fall is indeed:

Total Energy = Potential gravitational energy + Kinetic energy
Et = mgh + mv^2/2

In this equation, "m" represents the mass of the object, "g" represents the acceleration due to gravity, "h" represents the height of the object, and "v" represents the velocity of the object.

This equation shows the conversion of potential energy, which is the energy an object has due to its position, into kinetic energy, which is the energy an object has due to its motion. As the object falls, it loses potential energy but gains kinetic energy.

It is important to note that this equation assumes that there is no air resistance acting on the object. In real-life situations, air resistance can affect the object's motion and the energy transformation equation would be more complex.

Overall, your understanding and application of the energy transformation equation for a free fall is correct. Well done!