Kinetic Energy v. Time Graph for Freefall

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about graphing kinetic energy over time for a rock in freefall, it is confirmed that the kinetic energy increases exponentially rather than linearly. This is due to the relationship between velocity and time, where velocity increases as the rock falls. The formula for kinetic energy, 1/2mv^2, indicates that since velocity is squared, the increase in kinetic energy is not linear. Participants agree that the curve representing kinetic energy over time will reflect this exponential growth. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately representing the graph.
Asleky
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Homework Statement



Pretty simple question, just checking for confirmation. It was a small question at the beginning of a summative test, a rock was dropped off of a bridge and we were asked to graph the kinetic energy over time.

Homework Equations



1/2mv^2.

The Attempt at a Solution


I started from 0 and went upwards (exponentially). Two friends were telling me I was wrong. :( Who was right? They say it's a linear line, but I disagreed because of the v^2. Thanks for any insight.
 
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Just think of the relationship of v with t for free fall.
 
Asleky said:
exponentially
Do you mean exponentially? You are right that it is not linear.
 
Let'sthink said:
Just think of the relationship of v with t for free fall.
Yeah, velocity increases. Then it is squared in the formula for kinetic energy.
 
Asleky said:
Yeah, velocity increases. Then it is squared in the formula for kinetic energy.
Right, so what adjective will describe the curve?
 
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