Answer:
a) The kinetic energy of the leaf is the same for both people:
ΔK=\frac{1}{2} mv^2
b) The change in gravitational energy from the point of view:
Person on the ground: ΔG= -mgh
Person on the ladder: ΔG= mgh
Explanation:
We consider point 1 when it falls off the tree and point 2 when it hits the ground.
a) Person on the ground:
Kinetic energy at point 1 is K₁=0
Kinetic energy at point 2 is K₂=[tex]\frac{1}{2} mv^2[/tex]
ΔK=[tex]\frac{1}{2} mv^2[/tex]-0
Person on the ladder:
Kinetic energy at point 1 is K₁=0
Kinetic energy at point 2 is K₂=\frac{1}{2} mv^2
ΔK=[tex]\frac{1}{2} mv^2[/tex]-0
b) Person on the ground:
Gravitational energy at point 1 is G₁=mgh
Kinetic energy at point 2 is G₂=0
ΔG=0-mgh=-mgh
Person on the ladder:
Kinetic energy at point 1 is G₁=0
Kinetic energy at point 2 is G₂=mgh
ΔG=mgh-0=mgh
