Multiple choice

When a rain drop falls through the atmosphere with uniform velocity, ______.

  1. its potential energy remains the same

  2. its mechanical energy is conserved

  3. its mechanical energy is transferred to the atmosphere

  4. the total energy of the rain drop and air decays
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

When a raindrop falls at terminal velocity (uniform velocity), the net force is zero (gravity = air resistance). The raindrop's mechanical energy (KE + PE) decreases continuously because work is done against air resistance (friction). This energy is transferred to the air as heat and turbulence. The total energy of the system (raindrop + air) is conserved, but the raindrop's mechanical energy alone is not - it dissipates into the atmosphere.

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