Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Moving
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Kinetic energy is one of the most basic ideas in mechanics. It is the energy that a body has due to its motion. This question checks whether you clearly connect the presence of kinetic energy with the fact that an object must be moving, and not merely located at a certain height or kept at rest. Understanding this link helps in many topics, from work energy theorems to collision problems.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
From the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v^2 it is clear that kinetic energy depends directly on the square of the speed. If the speed is zero, then v = 0 and KE = 0, so a body at complete rest has no kinetic energy in classical mechanics. As soon as a body starts moving, however slowly, its speed becomes non zero and therefore its kinetic energy becomes positive. Being at an elevated position gives the body potential energy, not kinetic energy, unless it is actually moving. So the correct way to think is that kinetic energy and motion always go together.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the kinetic energy formula KE = 0.5 * m * v^2.Step 2: Note that kinetic energy is zero if and only if the speed v is zero.Step 3: When an object is at rest, its speed v is zero, so KE = 0.Step 4: When an object is moving, v is non zero, so KE is positive.Step 5: Being at an elevated position only produces gravitational potential energy, not kinetic energy by itself.Step 6: A falling object is just one example of a moving body with kinetic energy, but motion in general is the key requirement.
Verification / Alternative check:
Think about everyday examples. A parked car has no kinetic energy until it starts moving. A rolling ball, a flying bird or flowing water all have kinetic energy because they are in motion. Similarly, when you lift an object and hold it still at a height, you give it potential energy, but it only gains kinetic energy when you let it move. These simple observations support the mathematical definition and confirm that motion is essential for kinetic energy.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
An elevated position corresponds to gravitational potential energy, not necessarily kinetic energy, so option At an elevated position is not always correct. The option Falling describes a moving object, but it is only one special case of motion, not the general condition. An object At rest has zero speed, which directly implies zero kinetic energy, so that option is definitely incorrect. Only Moving correctly captures the general requirement for kinetic energy.
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners mix up potential and kinetic energy and may think that any high object automatically has kinetic energy. Others may focus only on special motions like falling instead of recognising that any motion, horizontal or vertical, gives kinetic energy. To avoid mistakes, always go back to KE = 0.5 * m * v^2 and check whether the speed is zero or not.
Final Answer:
An object that has kinetic energy must be moving.
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